A fatal plane crash in Honduras killed twelve people, including internationally known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez. The Lanhsa Airlines aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Roatán Island on Monday, falling into the sea just off the coast while en route to La Ceiba. Authorities confirmed that victims included “two children, a French national, and a U.S. national.”

Emergency crews launched an urgent rescue operation soon after the crash. Images from the scene showed responders working “by torchlight late into the night,” recovering bodies from the water. Fire chief Franklin Borjas said rough seas, poor visibility, and strong currents made rescue and recovery extremely difficult, and one person was initially reported missing.

President Xiomara Castro activated the Emergency Operations Committee (COE), sending multiple agencies to the site near Roatán International Airport. She emphasized the need for immediate medical care and said hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba were prepared. Her public message expressed sorrow and included “a prayer for the preservation of human life.”

The death of Aurelio Martínez added major cultural weight to the tragedy. He was a leading figure in Garifuna music, a tradition recognized by UNESCO, and was respected internationally for preserving Afro-Indigenous heritage. The presence of children and foreign nationals among the victims deepened the sense of loss.

As recovery efforts continued, investigators began examining the cause of the crash. While no official explanation was released, poor weather was considered a possible factor. Honduras remains in mourning as authorities work to determine what led to the disaster and bring closure to affected families.