Mexican Navy plane crash kills 5 in Texas

At least five people were killed Monday when a small Mexican Navy plane carrying a young medical patient and seven others crashed near Galveston, Texas, prompting a search in nearby coastal waters, officials said.

Mexico’s Navy said four of the eight people aboard were Navy officers and four were civilians, including a child. It was not immediately clear which individuals were among those confirmed dead, according to U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Baker.

Two of the civilians were members of the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Mexican children with severe burn injuries.

The crash occurred Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway along the Texas coast, about 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) southeast of Houston. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

In a statement, Mexico’s Navy said the aircraft was conducting a medical mission when it was involved in an accident. The Navy said it is cooperating with local authorities and assisting with search and rescue efforts.

Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have arrived at the scene, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. An NTSB spokesperson said the agency is aware of the crash and is gathering information.

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said its dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol officers were responding. Officials urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely.

Galveston, an island community, is a popular beach destination.

It was not immediately clear whether weather played a role. The area has experienced foggy conditions in recent days, according to Cameron Batiste, a National Weather Service meteorologist, who said visibility around 2:30 p.m. Monday dropped to about a half mile.

Source: AP/UNB