Tragedy struck in Kenya as a tourist plane crashed en route to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, claiming the lives of 11 people. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning near the coastal town of Kwale, approximately 40 kilometers from Diani airstrip.
The small aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was carrying eight Hungarian and two German tourists, along with a Kenyan pilot. The airline confirmed that there were no survivors. "We are profoundly saddened to report that, according to preliminary information, there were 10 passengers being 8 Hungarians and 2 Germans and 1 Kenyan crew member (the Captain) on board," the airline stated.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told reporters that the crash occurred around 5:30 AM local time. Initial reports suggest the plane went down in a hilly, forested area. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by the discovery of charred wreckage and unidentifiable remains.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Heavy rain was reported in the coastal region at the time of the incident, raising the possibility that adverse weather conditions may have played a role. "The weather is not very good here at the moment. Since early in the morning, it is raining and it is very misty," Orinde stated.
Past Incidents Raise Concerns
This tragic event comes on the heels of another aviation accident in Kenya. In August, a light aircraft belonging to a medical charity crashed near Nairobi, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Furthermore, a 2018 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization indicated that Kenya fell below the global average in accident investigation.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its stunning landscapes and the annual wildebeest migration. The crash has cast a pall over the region, impacting the tourism sector and highlighting the importance of air travel safety.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
- Support is being provided to the families of the victims.
- The incident raises concerns about air travel safety in Kenya.