Twelve Feared Dead as Light Aircraft Crashes Near Kenyan Coast
A light aircraft carrying 12 people crashed early Tuesday morning near the Kenyan coast, killing all those on board. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the plane went down in the Tsimba Golini area of Kwale County shortly after taking off from Diani Airstrip. According to the KCAA, the aircraft, registered as 5Y-CCA, was enroute to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara when it lost contact with air traffic control at about 5:30 a.m. local time. Authorities said search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene but found no survivors.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing smoke rising from the forested area where the plane went down. Local residents rushed to the site but were unable to get close due to flames and debris scattered across the terrain. Emergency services later cordoned off the area to allow investigators to begin collecting evidence.
Officials said the plane is believed to have been carrying a mix of local and foreign tourists heading for a safari trip. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities work to notify families. The bodies recovered from the wreckage were taken to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa.
Investigators from the KCAA and other agencies are now working to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced a mechanical problem shortly after takeoff, though bad weather has not been ruled out. The investigation will include a review of flight maintenance logs, pilot records and weather data from the morning of the incident. The Tsimba Golini area, where the crash occurred, is characterized by hilly and forested terrain, making rescue and recovery efforts difficult. Small aircraft frequently use this route between Kenya’s coastal resorts and wildlife destinations in the Mara, a popular path for tourists.
Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised a full investigation into the crash. “We mourn the loss of all those who perished in this tragic accident,” he said. “Safety in our skies remains our utmost priority, and we will ensure a thorough probe is conducted to prevent future incidents.”