- Authorities said the plane went down early Tuesday morning in a hilly
- 12 people were on board the Cessna Caravan-type aircraft
- Authorities have expressed condolences to the victims’ families
A tragic plane crash in Kenya’s coastal Kwale County has claimed the lives of 11 people, including several foreign tourists, while en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that according to Mombasa Air Safari, the aircraft was carrying eight Hungarian nationals, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot, all of whom died in the crash.
EDITOR’S PICK
- PHOTO STORY: Epe Professional Women Celebrate 10 Years Anniversary
- Alausa conferred as Mene Zinakpa I of Tai
- Engr. Kasali Leads Lekki LCDA’s Drive for Better Mental Health Awareness
Authorities said the plane went down early Tuesday morning in a hilly, forested area about 25 miles from the Diani airstrip. The airline stated that the pilot failed to maintain communication after takeoff, prompting air traffic control to attempt contact for about 30 minutes before the wreckage was discovered.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde confirmed that the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time amid heavy rainfall. The aircraft reportedly burst into flames, leaving behind a charred wreckage.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) initially reported that 12 people were on board the Cessna Caravan-type aircraft but later confirmed 11 fatalities. Investigators from multiple agencies have been dispatched to determine the cause of the crash.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya, is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, famous for the annual wildebeest migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti. The flight from Diani to the reserve usually takes about two hours.
Kenya’s coastline and national parks are popular tourist attractions, but the country has faced safety concerns in aviation oversight. A 2018 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) found Kenya below the global average in accident investigation standards.
Authorities have expressed condolences to the victims’ families as investigations continue into one of the nation’s most tragic aviation incidents in recent years.
FURTHER READING
