A devastating aviation accident occurred in central Mexico on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least seven people after a small private jet crashed while attempting an emergency landing near the Toluca International Airport (TLC).
The small jet, which had departed from Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coast, went down in an industrial area of San Mateo Atenco, approximately three miles (five kilometers) from the airport, located west of Mexico City.
Emergency Landing Ends in Tragedy
Mexico State Civil Protection Coordinator Adrián Hernández confirmed the initial death toll of seven, stating that the search and recovery efforts were ongoing. The flight manifest indicated that the private jet was carrying eight passengers and two crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to ten.
According to preliminary reports from officials, the aircraft was attempting to make an emergency landing, possibly targeting a soccer field in the area. Tragically, it struck the metal roof of a nearby business instead. The impact resulted in a large explosion and fire, which completely engulfed the wreckage and required a significant emergency response from fire and Red Cross crews.
San Mateo Atenco Mayor Ana Muñiz reported that the resulting blaze forced the evacuation of around 130 people from the surrounding industrial area as a safety precaution.
Investigation Underway
The private jet, which local media reports suggest may have been a Cessna Citation model, was flying a route between the popular resort city of Acapulco and Toluca, a key aviation hub.
The cause of the emergency and subsequent crash is currently under investigation by Mexican aviation authorities. Initial analysis will focus on retrieving flight data and determining if the pilots issued a distress call, as well as checking maintenance records and crew qualifications.
The incident marks another tragic chapter in aviation safety in the region and has prompted renewed attention to the protocols for emergency landings in densely populated areas. Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
