A devastating incident occurred in central Mexico when a small charter plane crashed while attempting an emergency landing, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. The aircraft, which had departed from Acapulco, went down in an industrial zone close to the Toluca airfield.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene of the crash involving a Cessna Citation III private jet in San Pedro Totoltepec, State of Mexico. The jet reportedly impacted an industrial warehouse, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky.
This tragic event unfolded in San Mateo Atenco, an industrial area situated approximately 5 kilometers from Toluca Airport and 50 kilometers west of Mexico City. Initial reports from authorities indicate the pilot was striving for an emergency landing. It appears the plane was initially aiming for a football field but unfortunately struck the metal roof of a nearby office building, igniting a significant fire.
Mexico State Civil Protection Coordinator Adrián Hernández confirmed that the private plane was carrying eight passengers and two crew members. As of Monday evening, seven bodies had been recovered, with ongoing search efforts for any remaining occupants.
The intense fire prompted immediate safety measures, leading to the evacuation of around 130 people from the vicinity. Emergency services and specialized teams were deployed rapidly to manage the situation. An investigation into the cause of the unscheduled landing and the subsequent crash is underway, with further details expected as the inquiry progresses.