ROSEAU (CMC), DominicaNational Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore confirmed on Monday that search and rescue crews in Dominica have located two of the four bodies from the four-seater Cessna 172 plane that crashed on a mountaintop shortly after it took off from Douglas-Charles Airport on January 26 on its way to Martinique.
The plane’s wreckage was found “on a mountain top in the heights of La Plaine,” on the southeast side of the island, in a rocky location that presents major difficulties for rescue crews, he said at a news conference.
Communications was lost approximately 3:46 pm after departure according to the Dominica Air And Sear Ports Authority (DASPA).
Assistance was rendered by the French via helicopter as it was nearly impossible to access the crash site by foot. Two bodies, thus far has been recovered while the other two are still unaccounted for.
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.