At least seven people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in central Mexico while attempting an emergency landing, Associated Press reported, citing state authorities.
The crash took place in San Mateo Atenco, an industrial area about five kilometres from Toluca International Airport and roughly 50 kilometres west of Mexico City. The aircraft, a private jet, had departed from Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coast before developing technical difficulties mid-flight.
Mexico State Civil Protection Coordinator Adrián Hernández said the jet was carrying eight passengers and two crew members. However, only seven bodies had been recovered several hours after the crash, and search and recovery operations were continuing to establish whether others remained unaccounted for.
Officials said the pilot appeared to be attempting an emergency landing on a nearby football field when the aircraft struck the metal roof of an industrial building, triggering a major fire. Local fire and rescue services were immediately deployed to the scene.
San Mateo Atenco Mayor Ana Muñiz told Milenio Television that the blaze led to the precautionary evacuation of about 130 people from nearby businesses and facilities.
