A private plane crashed near Mexico’s Toluca Airport on December 15, killing at least 10 people, including three children under the age of 10.
The aircraft went down around 12:30pm local time in San Mateo Atenco, an industrial area about three miles from the airport and roughly 50km west of Mexico City. The plane struck a warehouse on an industrial estate after what authorities believe was a failed attempt to land on a nearby football field.
All those on board were killed: two pilots, five adult passengers, and three children believed to be from the same family. The children were identified by their first names only: Raul, 4; Natalia, 2; and Ximena, 9.
The pilots were named as Juan Carlos Olivares Casas and Walding Sanchez Manzano. The adult passengers killed were Raul Gomez Ruiz, 60; Olga Janine Buenfil Cardone, 60; Gustavo Palomino Olet, 50; Ilse Lizeth Hernandez Tellez, 32; and Raul Gomez Buenfil, 31.
The plane had departed from Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Initial reports indicated fewer fatalities, but authorities later confirmed all 10 occupants had died.
A fire broke out following the crash, forcing the evacuation of approximately 130 people from the surrounding area, according to San Mateo Atenco mayor Ana Muñiz.
Investigators are examining a possible engine failure. Air traffic control recordings reportedly capture the pilot’s final transmission stating, “We’re crashing.” An official investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
