Mexican navy plane carrying burn patients crashes in Texas, 2-year-old among 5 killed

GALVESTON, TEXAS: A Mexican Navy aircraft crashed on Monday, December 22, while conducting a medical support mission near the Galveston Causeway in Texas, killing at least five people, including a 2-year-old child, US Coast Guard officials said.

The crash triggered a response from multiple local law enforcement agencies and Texas officials, as search and rescue teams scoured the waters west of the Galveston Causeway, where one passenger remains unaccounted for. Two people were rescued alive in undisclosed conditions.

8 people were on board during crash 

The United States Coast Guard received a call about the incident around 3.15 pm and responded immediately. Eight people were on board the plane, four Mexican Navy crew members and four civilians, that was transporting burn patients, according to the Mexican Navy.

It crashed during its approach near Galveston.

Mexican Navy officials confirmed that the plane was on a medical mission with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit that transports children with severe burns for treatment.

At least 5 confirmed fatalities

On Monday, December 22, evening, the Secretariat of the Navy released the names of the eight people aboard the aircraft, of whom five are confirmed dead, one is presumed dead, and two survived. Among those killed was a two-year-old, as per WPBF. 

The deceased Mexican Navy personnel include Lieutenant Junior Grade Victor Rafael Perez Hernandez, Lieutenant Junior Grade Juan Ivan Zaragoza Flores, and Seaman Guadalupe Flores Barranco. Missing Lieutenant Junior Grade Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones, whose body has yet to be located, is presumed deceased.

The names of the deceased civilians are Federico Efrain Ramirez Cruz (patient) and Dr Juan Alfonso Adame Gonzalez.

Survivors have been identified as Miriam de Jesus Rosas Mancilla (nurse) and Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera (companion).

The King Air ANX 1209 aircraft was a small twin-turbo plane.

It took off from Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, and headed for Galveston Scholes International Airport, located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, according to data from FlightRadar24.

Strong fog and limited visibility were reported in the area when the crash occurred.

Billy Howell, an employee at Galveston Bait and Tackle, said he initially heard the crash and assumed it was a car accident on the Galveston Causeway, according to CNN affiliate KTRK. He described conditions at the time as having “literally zero visibility,” noting that such conditions are not unusual near the island, where fog can roll in rapidly.

“As the sea fog goes and the wind blows and changes directions, the fog does get a lot more dense,” Howell said.

The plane belonged to the Mexican Navy and was conducting a medical support mission as part of "Plan Marina."

Emergency crews from the US Coast Guard, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the National Transportation Safety Board, and local agencies searched the crash site and nearby waters throughout the afternoon and evening.

Officials say the weather conditions might have played a role as investigators look into what caused the aircraft’s final approach into the bay.

"Search and rescue protocols were activated right away with local authorities. The event is happening and protocols are being carried out with all relevant authorities," the Mexican Navy stated.

The Coast Guard said in a statement that the cause of the crash is under investigation.

With the FAA and NTSB involved, officials expect to release preliminary findings in the coming days. However, detailed investigations usually take weeks or months.

For now, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by the tragedy.