San Jose, Costa Rica — A small plane carrying six people crashed southeast of Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, on Monday, killing five and critically injuring one, according to the Red Cross.
The sole survivor, a 31-year-old woman, remains in critical condition following the crash of the Cessna 206 Stationair near the Pico Blanco mountain shortly after midday.
Crash Details
The plane, which lost communication and disappeared from radar, was en route from Tortuguero to Tobias Bolanos Airport in San Jose. Adverse weather forced it to divert to Juan Santamaria Airport, but it crashed on the steep, wooded slopes of the mountainside.
Search and rescue teams faced significant challenges accessing the remote site but eventually located the wreckage hours after the crash.
Victims and Investigation
All six passengers were Costa Rican nationals, reportedly working in the tourism industry. While an official cause for the accident is yet to be determined, investigators are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days.
This tragedy highlights the risks associated with flying in regions prone to sudden weather changes, particularly in areas with difficult terrain.
Authorities and emergency services continue to provide support for the families affected by this devastating accident.
