Mexican Navy Plane Crashes Near Galveston Causeway During Medical Mission, Multiple Fatalities Reported
GALVESTON, Texas — A Mexican Navy aircraft conducting a medical support mission crashed near the Galveston Causeway on Monday, resulting in multiple fatalities and prompting a coordinated response from U.S. and Mexican authorities. The plane, identified as a King Air ANX 1209, was on approach near Galveston when it experienced an incident that led to the crash, according to a statement from the Mexican Navy.
The aircraft was carrying eight people, including four naval crew members and four civilians associated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing advanced treatment and multidisciplinary care for children with severe burns. The mission was part of a medical support effort in coordination with the foundation.
Following the crash, search and rescue protocols were immediately activated. The U.S. Coast Guard played a critical role in the response, rescuing six individuals from the water. Of those, four were found alive, while two fatalities have been confirmed. Efforts continue to locate and rescue two additional people believed to remain inside the wreckage.
Local authorities also responded swiftly. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office deployed personnel including the dive team, crime scene unit, drone unit, and patrol officers to assist at the crash site. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with support from the sheriff’s office and the Galveston Police Department. The DPS has yet to release detailed findings but is working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The Michou and Mau Foundation’s mission to aid children with severe burns highlights the humanitarian purpose behind the flight. Their website emphasizes their commitment to providing the best advanced treatment programs and multidisciplinary care for affected children. This mission underscores the risks often involved in delivering critical medical support across borders.
The Galveston Bay area, which connects Houston to the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its busy waterways and complex weather patterns, factors that can complicate aviation operations. The crash near the Galveston Causeway has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting calls for thorough investigation.
The Mexican Navy has expressed condolences and is cooperating fully with U.S. authorities. The incident has drawn attention to the close cooperation between the two countries in medical and humanitarian missions. Officials from both nations are focused on recovery efforts and providing support to the families affected.
For ongoing updates, the public can refer to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, both of which are actively involved in the response and investigation. The Michou and Mau Foundation has also pledged to provide information as it becomes available.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those undertaking critical medical missions. Authorities continue to work diligently to bring closure to the incident and to ensure the safety of future operations in the region.
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