Authorities have confirmed the grim discovery of a missing aircraft’s wreckage in the mountainous terrain near La Plaine, Dominica. The plane, carrying four French nationals, had disappeared on Sunday, January 26, 2025, while en route to Martinique from Douglas-Charles Airport. Joint efforts by French civil security and Dominican rescue teams located the crash site on Monday afternoon, approximately three kilometers west of La Plaine.
The discovery of three bodies at the site with no visible signs of life has shifted the mission from rescue to recovery. Due to the rugged and challenging conditions, recovery operations have been temporarily suspended until daylight to ensure the safety of the recovery teams. Additional resources from Martinique’s state services have been offered to assist with the effort.
In the aftermath of the crash, Martinique has launched a judicial investigation into involuntary manslaughter, citing potential breaches of prudence or safety regulations. The investigation, led by the Prosecutor of Fort-de-France, will seek to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragedy. A specialized Air Transport Brigade from Paris and the Gendarmerie of Air Transport of Lamentin will spearhead the inquiry.
The victims have been identified as;
- Pilot: Jean-Benoit A. (23)
- Co-pilot: Marving B. (41)
- Passenger: Kylian B. (23)
- Passenger: Marcelline M. (25)
Psychological support services are being organized for the families of the victims, set to begin on Tuesday, January 28.
The aircraft, described as being in excellent condition prior to its disappearance, departed Dominica at 3:46 p.m. on Sunday before crashing under poor weather conditions. Heavy rains and strong winds in Dominica and a Yellow Vigillance alert in Martinique for heavy rain and thunderstorms are suspected to have played a role.
As recovery operations resume, French and Dominican authorities continue to work closely, ensuring a coordinated response to this tragedy while addressing the pressing questions surrounding the fatal crash.
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