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A routine Honduras flight en route to the Caribbean coast turned into a national tragedy, leaving the entire country in mourning.
On March 17, 2025, a Lanhsa Airlines British Aerospace Jetstream 32 departed from Roatán Island bound for La Ceiba but never reached its destination.
Issues arose even before takeoff. Passengers were informed that departure was set for 5:40 PM, but the actual takeoff was unexpectedly delayed for unknown reasons.
One passenger recalled expecting a brief 25-minute wait, yet airline staff provided no further updates, even as the flight remained grounded beyond its scheduled departure.
Reluctantly, travelers boarded the aircraft and ascended into the night sky, departing from Roatán.
As the plane prepared for takeoff, Liliana felt a sense of unease. Unusual aircraft movements unsettled her, signaling that something was amiss even before they left the ground.
At precisely 6:28 p.m., she sent a message to her boyfriend, expressing her deep love while subtly hinting at her unease about the flight.
Her final words reached him only after she had lost consciousness.
Moments later, the aircraft veered off course, skidded along the runway, and plunged into the Caribbean Sea, just 328 feet from the airport.
First responders rushed to the crash site immediately, braving strong waves and poor visibility in a daring effort to rescue survivors.
Among those pulled from the wreckage was Liliana, who suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, and severe ankle damage.
From her hospital bed, she is now speaking out, accusing Lanhsa Airlines of ignoring early warning signs and putting lives at risk.
“The plane had issues even before takeoff. They sent us on board knowing we might not survive,” she claimed.
As the public demands answers, frustration and concern over regional airline safety continue to grow while authorities investigate the incident.
Officials from the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash, analyzing both the aircraft’s systems and the airline’s oversight practices.
Estrada recalled losing consciousness upon impact, saying, “I think that’s when I hit my head. Maybe I blacked out from the injury before sustaining the wounds on my face.”
As she processes the trauma, she remains grateful for her survival. “I’m not complaining—I’m alive,” she reflected.
Meanwhile, as news outlets release the names of the victims, the full extent of the tragedy continues to unfold.
The crash claimed the lives of twelve people, including Martin Suazo Aurelio, a renowned musician and former Garifuna congressman.
As a beloved cultural figure at 55 years old, his passing has deeply impacted not only his devoted fans but also Garifuna communities worldwide.
People worldwide are sending tributes, transforming what began as a routine flight into a national tragedy—one that raises urgent questions about potential preventions.
