NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A plane crash in Kenya’s coastal region of Kwale has tragically claimed the lives of 11 people, including eight Hungarian tourists, two German nationals, and the Kenyan pilot. The accident occurred early Tuesday morning while en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The crash took place in a hilly, forested area approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Diani airstrip, a known gateway to the coastal region. According to Mombasa Air Safari, the airline that operated the flight, the passengers included eight Hungarians and two Germans. The crash also claimed the life of the Kenyan pilot, though their identity has not been publicly released.
The aircraft, a Cessna Caravan, was reportedly en route to Maasai Mara when it lost contact with the airstrip’s control tower. Authorities noted that the pilot failed to communicate after departing Diani, and the control tower attempted to reach him for 30 minutes before the plane was located. The crash is believed to have occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time, though the Ministry of Transport later stated the incident happened at 8:35 a.m. local time.
Officials confirmed that the plane burst into flames upon impact, leaving behind a charred wreckage. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, and upon arriving at the crash site, they found unrecognizable human remains. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both local and national authorities reviewing the circumstances.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde confirmed that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had initially reported that 12 people were aboard the flight. However, only 11 fatalities were confirmed. The rainy weather on the morning of the crash could have been a contributing factor, though no official cause has been determined yet.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for its annual wildebeest migration and abundant wildlife, remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kenya. The region’s draw of international visitors, including those from Europe, makes it a key part of Kenya’s tourism economy. The crash adds to concerns about the safety of air travel in the region, particularly in light of previous audits that indicated Kenya’s aviation safety oversight fell below the global average.
As the investigation continues, local authorities have extended their condolences to the families of the victims. Kenya’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on its coastal and safari destinations, is also grappling with the fallout from this devastating event.
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