The Deputy Minister, Rodolfo Robelo, is among 14 people reported dead in a plane crash in Honduras. The small commercial plane was on a routine scheduled flight from the coastal city of San Pedro Sula to the capital, Tegucigalpa. Among those killed was former Finance Minister Carlos Chain and a trade union leader, Israel Salinas Jorge Castellanos.

An ambulance and helicopters have been dispatched to the site of the crash. But it is said to be a heavily wooded area which may be difficult to reach. The commander of the Air Force, Ruis Landa, said the plane – a Let 410 twin-engine, operated by Central American Airlines had lost contact with air traffic control in a region south of Tegucigalpa. Two crew were among the 14 who died. An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.