Plane Crash Near Roatan Claims Lives of Musician and 11 Others

ROATAN, Honduras — A small plane crash in the Caribbean Sea claimed the lives of at least 12 people, including popular musician Aurelio Martinez, shortly after taking off from Roatan on March 17, 2025. The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream aircraft departed for La Ceiba at 6:18 PM local time when it made a sharp turn and fell into the water about one kilometer from the island’s coast.

According to Carlos Padilla, a civil aviation official, the plane experienced “an apparent mechanical failure” before the tragic incident. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, with one fisherman recounting, “The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing.” Local media confirmed that 12 individuals perished in the crash while five others were rescued.

Rescue efforts were complicated by difficult terrain. Franklin Borjas, captain of the Roatan fire department, expressed the challenges faced by rescuers. “It’s been difficult to access the accident site because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks, and you can’t get there,” he said. Dramatic videos showed emergency responders carrying survivors on stretchers as they worked tirelessly in rocky conditions.

Aurelio Martinez was a beloved figure in the Garifuna music scene, known for his energetic performances and contributions to the genre known as punta rock. He founded the Lita Ariran ensemble, which played a pivotal role in bringing Garifuna music to international audiences. According to the Kennedy Center, “Martinez’s virtuosity and passionate performances made him a mainstay of the La Ceiba music scene, taking Central America by storm in the 1990s.”

Among the injured passengers was a 40-year-old French citizen, who is now being treated at a hospital in San Pedro Sula, as reported by Major Wilmer Guerrero of the fire department. A total of 15 people were on board the plane at the time of the accident, including two pilots and a flight attendant.

In response to the incident, Honduras’ President Xiomara Castro activated an Emergency Operations Committee to provide immediate assistance to victims. She stated, “They have immediately arrived at the scene of the plane crash… and are tirelessly assisting in the unfortunate incident.” The local hospitals were also reported to be prepared for the influx of injured passengers.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation into the crash is underway, although a definitive cause has yet to be determined. Eyewitness accounts from survivors revealed moments of panic as the aircraft descended. Local journalist reports noted that one body is still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.

Community members have rallied together, holding vigils and memorials in honor of those lost. The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate victims, reaching into the cultural fabric of Honduras, particularly within the Garifuna community, which mourns the loss of one of its most treasured voices.

As families seek closure and support, an emphasis on community resilience shines through the mourning period, while the authorities ensure that safety protocols and rigorous investigations are prioritized in the aftermath of this heartbreaking accident.