A tragic plane crash in Kenya’s coastal region of Kwale has claimed the lives of 11 people, including 10 foreign tourists and the Kenyan pilot. The small Cessna Caravan aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was traveling from Diani to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down early Tuesday morning.
The plane crash occurred around 5:30 a.m., just after takeoff, in a forested and hilly area approximately 40 kilometers from Diani airstrip. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing flames erupt from the aircraft. Investigators discovered charred wreckage and unidentifiable human remains at the scene, and authorities are working to piece together the cause of the disaster.
Passengers included eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot. Hungarian officials confirmed that the victims included two families, two minors, and an acquaintance, while the German victims were also identified. Both the airline and Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority are cooperating fully with investigators.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations, famous for the annual wildebeest migration and diverse wildlife. The plane crash has shocked the tourism community, highlighting the risks associated with small aircraft travel in the region.
Weather reports indicated heavy rain in the coastal area at the time of the plane crash, but investigators have not yet confirmed if weather was a contributing factor. Kenya’s government and international authorities are monitoring the investigation closely, while families of the victims await official confirmation.
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