A Mexican Navy medical plane transporting a pediatric patient crashed into the water near Galveston, Texas, according to preliminary reports. Authorities believe eight people were on board at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred as the aircraft was nearing Scholes International Airport in Galveston during heavy fog. Local officials, cited by the Galveston County Daily News, said the plane went down west of the causeway while on its final approach for landing.
UPDATE: At least three people, including a small child, were killed from the crash, according to KRIV, citing local officials.
The aircraft was identified as a Mexican Navy Beech King Air 350i, operating under the call sign ANX1209, according to FlightRadar24 data. The plane had departed from Mérida, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and was conducting a medical transport mission.
City officials said the flight was carrying a pediatric patient in need of specialized burn treatment and was likely headed to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston. Preliminary information indicates that eight individuals were on board, though officials have not yet released detailed information about their identities or conditions.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies, along with dive teams, crime scene investigators, drone operators, and patrol units, were deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the crash, with support from the sheriff’s office and the Galveston Police Department.
Authorities asked the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency crews to work safely as the investigation continues.
The crash comes months after a separate medical transport tragedy involving a private Mexican aircraft carrying a pediatric patient. That plane crashed earlier this year in Philadelphia, killing all seven people on board as well as one person on the ground.
