Mwihoko Plane Crash Claims Young Girl’s Life
A single mother, who tragically lost her daughter in a plane crash on Thursday, August 7, in Mwihoko, is reaching out for support from kind-hearted individuals to help with her loved one’s burial and to assist her in getting back on her feet.
In an emotional interview on Friday, August 8, Mercy Nafula shared that her daughter had just returned from the salon when a CESSNA aircraft, owned by the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), crashed into their home, instantly taking her life.
As she recounted the heartbreaking details of that day, Nafula explained that she had stepped out to run some errands, leaving her three children at home. The kids later made their way to the salon. She mentioned that her daughter had left the salon to return home and prepare lunch, leaving her siblings and Nafula’s sister behind.
It was during this time, while her daughter was cooking, that the plane struck their home, resulting in her daughter’s untimely death and causing devastating damage.
“I am lost for words. I am a single mother who has been raising these kids. I do not know where to begin because I have lost everything,” she narrated.
“From clothes for my business, my children’s birth certificates, I have nothing. I would like to request help to help me in burying my daughter, to cover the costs, and help me recover my belongings,” Nafula appealed.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low before it crashed with a loud bang, immediately erupting into flames. In the aftermath, local residents rushed to the scene to help with rescue efforts.
Videos and images circulating online showed what appeared to be military officials working to extinguish the flames, which had already engulfed a large portion of the aircraft. Firefighters from Ruiru town in Kiambu County also arrived to assist in putting out the fire.
Following the crash, AMREF released a statement indicating that the aircraft, part of their Flying Doctors service, was a Cessna Citation XLS. It had just taken off from Wilson Airport at 2:17 PM, heading to Hargeisa, Somalia, when the incident occurred.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. So far, six casualties have been reported, including four people on the plane and two individuals on the ground, one of whom was Nafula’s daughter.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed that the air ambulance had two crew members and two medical personnel on board.
In their statement, AMREF emphasized their full cooperation with the relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to uncover the facts surrounding the incident.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also released a statement confirming the details of the crash. KCAA Director-General Emile Arao noted that the aircraft lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control just three minutes after take-off.
A probe has been initiated, involving KCAA’s Air Accident Investigation Department, the Ministry of Transport, and security agencies.
Mwihoko Plane Crash Claims Young Girl’s Life
