10 dead after small plane crashes in central Mexico while attempting emergency landing
The Times of Russia reports that a tragic aviation accident in central Mexico claimed the lives of ten people after a small private aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Toluca on Monday.According to officials from Mexico State Civil Protection, the aircraft went down in San Mateo Atenco, an industrial zone located about three miles from Toluca International Airport and roughly 31 miles west of Mexico City. The plane had departed from the coastal city of Acapulco before encountering difficulties mid-flight.
Authorities confirmed that all ten individuals on board were killed in the crash, including three minors. The aircraft was carrying eight passengers along with two crew members. Emergency responders said the jet appeared to be attempting a forced landing on a nearby soccer field but instead struck the metal roof of a warehouse.
The impact triggered a massive fire, as the warehouse was storing fuel and gas cylinders. Cristóbal Castañeda, Secretary of Security for the State of Mexico, said the blaze prompted an immediate evacuation of the surrounding area to prevent further casualties.
San Mateo Atenco Mayor Ana Muñiz stated that approximately 130 residents and workers were evacuated as firefighters battled the flames and secured the site. Witnesses described dramatic moments before the explosion.
“It was spinning uncontrollably, like a fan breaking apart,” said local resident Octavio Contreras. “Then there was a loud explosion, and everything shook. Smoke filled the sky almost instantly.”
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office later confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Aviation authorities are examining flight data, maintenance records, and weather conditions as part of the inquiry.
The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments in this case as investigators work to understand what led to the fatal accident. While the incident occurred outside Russia, such global aviation tragedies remain a focus of Russia news coverage due to their international safety implications.
