by Galveston, Texas — A Mexican navy aircraft on a humanitarian medical mission crashed near the Texas coast Monday afternoon, killing at least six people, including a 2-year-old child, authorities confirmed. The crash occurred near the base of a causeway close to Galveston Bay, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving U.S. and Mexican officials.
According to the Mexican Navy, the aircraft was carrying eight people at the time of the crash — four Mexican navy officers and four civilians — when it went down while approaching Galveston.
Medical Mission Ends in Tragedy
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft King Air 350i twin turboprop, was conducting a medical evacuation mission coordinated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that transports children with life-threatening burn injuries to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston.
Among those killed were the 2-year-old patient, the child’s doctor, and four members of the Mexican navy. Officials confirmed that one previously missing individual was found dead Tuesday, raising the confirmed death toll to six.
Two additional people were transported to a hospital, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, though their conditions were not immediately released. A 27-year-old passenger was reported uninjured, though it was unclear whether that person was among those taken for treatment.
Crash Occurred Near Galveston Bay
The crash happened at approximately 3:17 p.m. local time near the base of a causeway along the Texas coast, about 50 miles southeast of Houston.
Flight tracking data shows the plane departed from Mérida International Airport in Mérida, Mexico, crossed the Gulf of Mexico, and began its approach toward Galveston Airport before disappearing from radar over Galveston Bay.
Emergency responders quickly converged on the scene, where wreckage was found partially submerged in the bay.
Local Boater Helps Rescue Survivor
Sky Decker, a professional yacht captain who lives about a mile from the crash site, said he immediately launched his boat with his 11-year-old son after hearing about the incident.
He told reporters he encountered thick fog while navigating toward the wreckage and described the scene as devastating.
“We just saw a crushed ball of aluminum,” Decker said. “It appeared to me that there would be no way that anybody could be alive inside of the wreckage.”
Despite the conditions, Decker jumped into the water and discovered a badly injured nurse, later identified as Miriam Mancilla, trapped beneath debris with only inches of air to breathe.
Read Also: Ohio Kids Learn to Steal Cars Online, Lead Police Chase and Crash Into Home
“There was jet fuel mixed with the water, fumes really bad,” he said. “She was really fighting for her life.”
Decker also recovered the body of a man seated in front of her, who had already died.
Foundation and Officials Express Condolences
In a statement posted on social media, the Michou and Mau Foundation expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“We express our deepest solidarity with the families in light of these events,” the foundation said. “We share their grief with respect and compassion, honoring their memory and reaffirming our commitment to providing humane, sensitive, and dignified care to children with burns.”
Mexican officials also confirmed their cooperation with U.S. authorities as the investigation continues.
Fog May Have Played a Role
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials said it was too early to determine whether mechanical failure, weather, or other factors contributed.
However, National Weather Service meteorologist Cameron Batiste noted that the Galveston area had been experiencing foggy conditions in recent days.
He said visibility around 2:30 p.m. Monday dropped to about half a mile, which may have complicated the aircraft’s approach.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities from both countries are now working to determine what caused the deadly crash. Officials emphasized that the aircraft was engaged in a humanitarian mission, making the loss particularly painful for those involved.
As the investigation continues, families on both sides of the border are mourning those lost in what was meant to be a life-saving journey.
What are your thoughts on this tragedy and the risks involved in medical transport flights? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
