Investigation underway after Galveston plane crash: NTSB, 5 fatalities including child

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a tragic plane crash that occurred on Monday at Galveston Bay, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a child. The crash was reported to Galveston authorities around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, involving an aircraft with multiple occupants ending up in the water west of the Galveston Causeway. The NTSB's initial step in the investigation is to retrieve the aircraft from Galveston Bay, a process that may take a week or longer to complete. The wreckage will then be transported to a secure facility for examination by an NTSB investigator. The aircraft involved in the accident was identified as a Beech King Air 350i airplane, which was reportedly on a medical support mission with the Michou and Mau Foundation according to the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico. The Mexican Navy mentioned that there were eight individuals on board, comprising four Navy crew members and four civilians, including a child patient with burn injuries. Tragically, at least five people onboard have been confirmed deceased, with one crew member missing and presumed dead. A companion of the patient and a nurse are reported to have survived the crash. The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time, and the victims' identities have not been disclosed by officials. Witnesses like Sky Decker described the harrowing scene they encountered at the crash site, with Decker recounting the rescue efforts led by himself and his son to aid the survivors. A statement from the Michou and Mau Foundation expressed condolences and commitment to supporting those impacted by the incident.