Victims of Mexico Plane Crash Identified as Family, Including 3 Children
Tragedy struck on December 15, 2025, when a small plane crashed in central Mexico, resulting in the loss of 10 lives. As authorities continue their investigation into the incident, new details have emerged shedding light on the victims involved in the fatal crash.
The jet, carrying a total of 10 people on board, had departed from the Port of Acapulco and was en route to Toluca when it tragically crashed into the metal roof of a nearby business, as confirmed by officials. The Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation of Mexico had previously issued a statement regarding the incident.
During a press conference following the crash, President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that the victims were all members of the same family who were on their way from Acapulco to Mexico City. The passengers included three children named Natalia, 2, Raúl, 4, and Ximena, 9, as reported by Mexico Daily News and La Gaceta.
Among the adult passengers who lost their lives were Gustavo Palomino Olet, 50; Ilse Lizeth Hernández Téllez, 32; Raúl Gómez Ruiz, 60; Raúl Gómez Buenfil, 31; and Olga Janine Buenfil Cardone, 60. The pilot, Juan Carlos Olivares Casas, 61, and the co-pilot, Walding Sánchez Manzano, 72, also tragically perished in the crash.
The plane took off at 12:02 p.m. and crashed just 30 minutes later, reportedly after the pilot sent a warning message to the control tower about a malfunction. Despite attempting an emergency landing in a nearby soccer field, the aircraft struck a metal roof of a business, causing a significant blaze that caught the attention of emergency responders.
Photos from the crash site depicted the aftermath, with emergency personnel working tirelessly amidst the destruction caused by the crash. The Mayor of San Mateo Atenco, Ana Muñiz, stated that around 130 individuals had to be evacuated from the area due to the fire following the crash.
President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested that a “technical failure” may have been a contributing factor to the tragedy, though investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. The Federal Civil Aviation Agency and other relevant authorities are actively involved in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
As the families and loved ones of the victims begin to grapple with this devastating loss, the community mourns the lives of those taken too soon in this heartbreaking accident. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy as they navigate this difficult time.