Shocking footage shows a private jet hurtling nose-first from the sky before smashing into a warehouse near Mexico’s Toluca Airport. The fiery crash killed all 10 people on board — including three children under 10.
Jet Slams Into Warehouse in Fiery Crash
The doomed Cessna Citation III had taken off from Acapulco just 30 minutes earlier. On board were five adults, two pilots, and three young children, believed to be from the same family. The plane slammed into a warehouse in an industrial estate at around 12:30 pm local time, exploding into massive flames and thick black smoke.
Thankfully, the building was empty as workers were off for the day. Nearby streets were evacuated as crews rushed to contain the blaze, fearing the nearby fuel and gas tanks could explode. Firefighters battled the inferno that tore a huge hole into the warehouse wall.
Victims Identified: Pilots, Passengers, and Young Children
- Pilot: Juan Carlos Olivares Casas, 61
- Co-pilot: Walding Sanchez Manzano, 72
- Adults: Raul Gomez Ruiz (60), Olga Janine Buenfil Cardone (60), Gustavo Palomino Olet (50), Ilse Lizeth Hernandez Tellez (32), Raul Gomez Buenfil (31)
- Children: Raul (4), Ximena (9), Natalia (2)
The children’s full surnames have been withheld to protect their identities. Initial reports said six bodies were recovered, but the death toll later climbed to 10.
Investigation Launched: Engine Failure Feared
Officials suspect an engine failure caused the crash. The last chilling transmission from the pilot heard by air traffic controllers was, “We’re crashing.”
JetPro, the jet’s operator, has yet to issue a statement. Meanwhile, Servicios Aereos Estrella clarified the plane wasn’t theirs and sent condolences to the victims’ families.
Cristobal Castaneda, Public Security Minister for the State of Mexico, confirmed the evacuation was a safety measure given the fuel tanks nearby.
The tragic accident has stunned locals and sparked worldwide mourning, especially for the three young children lost in the blaze.
