A private Cessna Citation III jet crashed into a warehouse on an industrial estate near Mexico’s Toluca Airport, killing all 10 people on board. The victims included three children, all under the age of 10, along with five adult passengers and two pilots.

The aircraft had taken off from the coastal city of Acapulco around half an hour earlier. Witnesses reported seeing the plane lose control before slamming into the building at about 12.30pm local time. Thick black smoke rose from the site after the impact.

Authorities first reported six bodies recovered from the wreckage, but later confirmed that all 10 people on board had died. The children were identified by their first names only and are believed to be members of the same family.

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Local officials said the jet briefly struck a football ground near a children’s play area before crashing into the warehouse wall, leaving a large hole and triggering a fire. Firefighters quickly brought the flames under control.

Mexico State Public Security Minister Cristobal Castaneda said nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution because of fuel and gas tanks inside the warehouse. No one inside the premises was injured, as employees were reportedly off at the time.

In the final radio exchange with air traffic control, the pilot reportedly said, “We’re crashing.” Investigators are now examining the wreckage, with early focus on a possible engine failure.

Toluca Airport, located about five miles from the crash site, was the jet’s final destination. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The crash shows how quickly flights can turn tragic. Early signs point to a technical failure. The investigation will be key to understanding what went wrong. The loss of children has deepened the shock across the region.