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Kenya Plane Crash Tragedy: 12 Foreign Tourists Killed in Kwale

A tragic plane crash in Kenya has claimed the lives of 12 people, all foreign tourists heading to the famous Maasai Mara game reserve. The aircraft crashed in the Kwale Simba area during its flight from Diana to Kichwa Tembo. Among the victims were eight Hungarian tourists, two German tourists, and two crew members. This incident comes just two months after another fatal plane crash in Kenya that killed six people near Nairobi.

Key Points: 12 Foreign Tourists Die in Kenya Maasai Mara Plane Crash

  • All 12 victims were foreign tourists traveling to Maasai Mara game reserve
  • Passengers included eight Hungarians and two Germans plus two crew members
  • This marks second fatal plane crash in Kenya within two months
  • Government agencies investigating cause of crash at Kwale Simba area
2 min read

Kenya: 12 people killed in plane crash in Kwale

Tragic plane crash in Kenya's Kwale region kills 12 foreign tourists heading to Maasai Mara. Victims include Hungarians and Germans as investigation begins.

"We are yet to establish their nationality, but they were all foreign tourists heading to Mara. - Steven Orinde, Kwale County Commissioner"

Nairobi, Oct 28

: As many as 12 people were killed after a plane heading to Kichwa Tembo in Kenya's Maasai Mara crashed in the Kwale Simba area on Tuesday, local media reported.

Confirming the crash, Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated, "KCAA wishes to confirm that an aircraft, registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way, from Diana to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z."

According to Kenyan media outlet 'The Standard', Kwale County Commissioner Steven Orinde said that all 12 victims were foreign tourists travelling to Masai Mara. Orinde said, "We are yet to establish their nationality, but they were all foreign tourists heading to Mara."

Later, Mombasa Air Safari Limited revealed the identity of passengers onboard as 10, including eight Hungarians, two Germans and two crew members.

Government agencies have reached the site of the incident and are carrying out investigation to determine the cause of the crash and examine its impact, the report said.

The accident comes two months after a similar incident occurred in August. At least six people were killed and two others injured after light aircraft belonging to AMREF Flying Doctors crashed in a residential area on the outskirts of Nairobi, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a government official.

Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula said, "We have six people dead. The four who were on board and two on the ground. Two others were injured on the ground." He said that the deceased included four medical personnel onboard the Cessna Citation 560 ambulance aircraft with registration 5Y-FDM and two members of the public at the crash site.

In a statement, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director-General Emile Arao said that the aircraft took off from Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 2:14 pm (local time) and heading to Hargeisa in northern Somalia. The aircraft crashed three minutes later in the Mwihoko area.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very tragic incident. I visited Masai Mara last year and these small aircrafts are the main mode of transport for tourists. Authorities must conduct thorough investigation and ensure such accidents don't happen again. Safety should be the top priority.
A
Arjun K
So sad to hear about this. Eight Hungarians and two Germans - these were people who traveled to experience Kenya's wildlife. The tourism industry will definitely suffer after two back-to-back crashes. Hope the investigation brings clarity.
S
Sarah B
This is devastating news. As someone who frequently travels for work, aviation safety is something we often take for granted. The Kenyan authorities need to address these safety concerns urgently before more lives are lost.
V
Vikram M
Terrible tragedy. The previous crash in August also claimed 6 lives including medical personnel. There seems to be a pattern here. Kenyan aviation authorities should conduct a comprehensive safety audit of all small aircraft operators immediately.
M
Michael C
Heartbreaking to read this. These tourists were probably excited about their safari adventure. The families back home must be devastated. Hope the investigation provides answers and leads to better safety measures across Africa's aviation sector.

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