Texas: At least five people lost their lives after a small aircraft operated by the Mexican Navy crashed near Galveston, Texas, triggering a large-scale emergency response along the coast.
According to officials, the plane was carrying eight people, including a child who was reportedly being transported for medical care. Mexico’s Navy said the passengers included four naval personnel and four civilians, though authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those who were killed.
Among those on board were two representatives of the Michou and Mau Foundation, a charitable organisation known for assisting Mexican children with severe burn injuries. The aircraft was reportedly undertaking a humanitarian medical mission when the incident occurred.
The US Coast Guard confirmed that five fatalities have been recorded and stated that search operations were conducted in nearby waters following the crash. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
The aircraft went down close to the base of a causeway near Galveston, an island city located about 50 miles southeast of Houston and a popular tourist destination. Mexico’s Navy described the event as an accident and said a formal investigation has been initiated. It also noted that naval authorities are working alongside local agencies to support search and recovery efforts.
US aviation authorities have also stepped in. The Texas Department of Public Safety said teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were dispatched to the site to examine the wreckage and gather evidence.
Local law enforcement confirmed that multiple units, including dive teams, drone operators, and crime scene investigators, were deployed to the area. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office urged the public to stay away from the crash site to allow emergency crews to carry out their work without obstruction.
While officials have not confirmed whether weather played a role, meteorologists noted that the region has experienced persistent fog in recent days. The National Weather Service reported reduced visibility of around half a mile at the time of the crash, with foggy conditions expected to linger into Tuesday morning.
Authorities said further details would be shared as investigations continue.
