Texas (Rajeev Sharma): A Mexican Navy aircraft on a medical support mission crashed near the Texas coastline close to Galveston on Monday, resulting in at least five fatalities, authorities confirmed. The incident prompted an extensive response from US and Mexican agencies, with search operations carried out in nearby waters.
The plane was carrying eight people at the time of the crash, including a minor who was reportedly being transported for medical treatment. Mexico’s Navy said the group comprised four naval officers and four civilians, though officials have not yet clarified which passengers were among those killed.
Two individuals on board were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that assists children in Mexico who have suffered serious burn injuries. The foundation frequently coordinates medical transfers for specialised care.
The US Coast Guard confirmed the death toll and stated that an investigation is underway to determine what led to the crash. The aircraft went down Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway in the Galveston area, roughly 80 kilometres southeast of Houston.
In a statement, Mexico’s Navy described the crash as an accident occurring during a humanitarian operation and said it would conduct its own inquiry into the circumstances. Naval authorities also said they were assisting local officials with rescue and recovery efforts.
US agencies quickly mobilised following the incident. The Texas Department of Public Safety said investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene to assess the wreckage. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office deployed its dive team, drone unit, patrol officers, and crime scene personnel to secure the area and aid the investigation.
Residents and visitors were advised to stay clear of the site as emergency crews continued their work. Galveston, known for its beaches and tourism, saw portions of the area restricted to allow responders safe access.
Weather conditions are also being examined as a possible factor. According to the National Weather Service, the region has experienced persistent fog in recent days, with visibility dropping to about half a mile around the time of the crash. Foggy conditions were expected to continue into Tuesday morning.
Officials said more information would be released as investigations progress.A Mexican Navy aircraft on a medical support mission crashed near the Texas coastline close to Galveston on Monday, resulting in at least five fatalities, authorities confirmed. The incident prompted an extensive response from US and Mexican agencies, with search operations carried out in nearby waters.
The plane was carrying eight people at the time of the crash, including a minor who was reportedly being transported for medical treatment. Mexico’s Navy said the group comprised four naval officers and four civilians, though officials have not yet clarified which passengers were among those killed.
Two individuals on board were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that assists children in Mexico who have suffered serious burn injuries. The foundation frequently coordinates medical transfers for specialised care.
The US Coast Guard confirmed the death toll and stated that an investigation is underway to determine what led to the crash. The aircraft went down Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway in the Galveston area, roughly 80 kilometres southeast of Houston.
In a statement, Mexico’s Navy described the crash as an accident occurring during a humanitarian operation and said it would conduct its own inquiry into the circumstances. Naval authorities also said they were assisting local officials with rescue and recovery efforts.
US agencies quickly mobilised following the incident. The Texas Department of Public Safety said investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene to assess the wreckage. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office deployed its dive team, drone unit, patrol officers, and crime scene personnel to secure the area and aid the investigation.
Residents and visitors were advised to stay clear of the site as emergency crews continued their work. Galveston, known for its beaches and tourism, saw portions of the area restricted to allow responders safe access.
Weather conditions are also being examined as a possible factor. According to the National Weather Service, the region has experienced persistent fog in recent days, with visibility dropping to about half a mile around the time of the crash. Foggy conditions were expected to continue into Tuesday morning.
Officials said more information would be released as investigations progress.
