At least seven people were killed on Monday, December 15, when a small private jet crashed in central Mexico while attempting an emergency landing, authorities confirmed.

The aircraft, which had departed from the coastal city of Acapulco along Mexico’s Pacific coast, went down in the industrial area of San Mateo Atenco, a few miles from Toluca International Airport. Initial reports indicate that the pilot was attempting to make an emergency landing on a nearby football pitch when the plane struck the metal roof of a business facility, triggering a large fire.

According to the plane’s manifest, there were eight passengers and two crew members on board at the time of the crash. The Mexico State Civil Protection Coordinator said that hours after the incident, only seven bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, adding that officials are still working to reconcile the passenger list with the number of victims found.

The impact and resulting blaze prompted the immediate evacuation of hundreds of residents and workers from surrounding areas as emergency services rushed to contain the fire and secure the site. Firefighters and rescue teams battled flames for hours while searching for survivors amid the wreckage.

Authorities have launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and the circumstances that led to the attempted emergency landing. Aviation experts and safety officials are examining whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the accident.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety risks associated with small private aircraft, particularly during emergency situations near densely populated and industrial zones. Further details are expected as investigators continue their work and authorities release additional findings. (ILKHA)