Harrowing footage has emerged showing a private jet plummeting nose-first from the sky before crashing into a warehouse near Mexico’s Toluca Airport. The fiery crash claimed the lives of 10 people, including three children under 10.
Horror on the Ground: Jet Strikes Warehouse
The Cessna Citation III took off from Acapulco just 30 minutes earlier. It was carrying five adults, two pilots, and three young children—believed to be from the same family. The plane crashed into a warehouse on an industrial estate around 12:30 pm local time, erupting in huge flames and thick black smoke. Miraculously, the building was empty as employees had the day off.
Local officials evacuated two blocks around the crash site due to fuel and gas tanks nearby. Firefighters battled the intense blaze that left a gaping hole in the warehouse wall.
Victims Named: Pilot, Passengers, and Children
- Pilot: Juan Carlos Olivares Casas, 61
- Co-pilot: Walding Sanchez Manzano, 72
- Adult Passengers: 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 surnames have been withheld to protect their identities. Initial reports said six bodies were found, but the death toll later rose to 10.
Investigation Underway: Engine Failure Suspected
Authorities are investigating the cause, with early theories pointing to an engine malfunction. The last audio from the pilot to air traffic controllers included the chilling words, “We’re crashing.”
JetPro, the operator of the private jet service, has yet to comment. Another company, Servicios Aereos Estrella, clarified the aircraft was not theirs and expressed condolences.
Cristobal Castaneda, Public Security Minister for the State of Mexico, said the evacuation was a safety precaution due to nearby fuel tanks.
The tragedy has shocked locals and gripped families worldwide mourning the loss of innocent lives, especially the three children.
