Plane crash in Galveston: a Mexican military aircraft crashed into the bay during a medical flight. Authorities investigate what happened.
A Mexican armed forces aircraft carrying at least eight people crashed into Galveston Bay this Monday.
Accident during a medical flight
On December 22, the aircraft originated from Mexico as part of a medical flight and crashed amid dense fog, according to preliminary reports.
The aircraft carried two pilots and six passengers, including a pediatric patient who required specialized treatment for burns, possibly at Shriner Hospitals for Children in Galveston, an institution known for handling such cases.
A representative from Shriner Hospitals for Children said they could not confirm whether any of the passengers were scheduled for admission, and that the institution is working to issue an official statement on the matter.
Flight details
Preliminary flight-tracking information indicates the aircraft operated as Flight ANX1209.
The route was traced from General Mariano Escobedo International Airport in Monterrey, Mexico, to Scholes International Airport in Galveston, overnight Monday.
According to available flight history, the plane was in approach to Galveston around 3:02 p.m., at which time it disappeared from radar over the bay.
The aircraft associated with the callsign ANX1209 has been identified as a Beechcraft King Air 350i, operated by the Mexican Navy.
Search and rescue operation
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen confirmed that boats and dive teams from his office are participating in the search efforts. He stressed, however, that the Galveston Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety are in charge of the operation.
Several emergency agencies responded to reports of a small aircraft crashing into the water near Galveston Bay in the afternoon.
Preliminary information
Local media report that at least four people have died as a result of the crash.
