An aircraft carrying 12 people crashed just minutes after taking off from Diani airstrip in Kenya’s coastal Kwale region early Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
The Cessna Caravan-type plane reportedly burst into flames upon impact, leaving all onboard feared dead.
Flight Details and Passengers
The ill-fated flight, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most popular wildlife destinations, when it went down in a “hilly and forested area about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Diani airstrip,” according to officials.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told The Associated Press that the passengers were “all foreign tourists.” Authorities said their nationalities would be verified and confirmed in due course.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that 12 people were onboard the aircraft. Investigators have launched a full inquiry into the crash to determine its cause, examining flight data and witness statements.
Witness Accounts and Investigation
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a “loud bang” shortly after the plane took off. When they reached the crash site, the wreckage was engulfed in flames, and human remains were described as “unrecognizable.”
Mombasa Air Safari said it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities and pledged to provide updates on the investigation through the proper channels.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, the intended destination, is renowned for its annual wildebeest migration and attracts thousands of tourists every year from around the world.
Authorities emphasized that no further information about the victims or crew would be released until official identification is complete. Emergency responders and aviation investigators are working to secure the site and recover evidence.
The Kenyan government and tourism authorities have expressed condolences and called for calm as investigations continue, while urging the public to avoid speculation until the cause of the crash is established.
Editing by M10News International Desk | Contact: news@m10news.com
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