Aircraft crashes killing 12 in Kwale
At least twelve people were killed early Tuesday morning after a light aircraft crashed in the Tsimba Golini area of Kwale County, sending shockwaves across the region.
Police reported that the victims are believed to be tourists who had just departed from Diani Airport aboard a Cessna Caravan plane. The aircraft was headed for Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara when it went down shortly after takeoff.
According to witnesses, the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m., moments after the plane disappeared from radar. Residents nearby said they heard a loud explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the forested area where the aircraft came down. Emergency response teams, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to assist. Unfortunately, there were no survivors.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the aircraft, registered as 5Y-CCA, was operating a scheduled charter service between Diani and Kichwa Tembo. In an official statement, KCAA Director General Emile Arao said that investigations are underway to determine what caused the tragedy.
“The aircraft had twelve persons on board. Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and assess its overall impact,” Arao stated.
The plane is said to belong to a local airline that offers daily flights between coastal destinations such as Mombasa, Diani, and popular tourist locations including the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. The crash has raised renewed concerns over aviation safety in Kenya, particularly for smaller aircraft that serve remote tourist areas.
Local leaders and residents expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, describing the event as a devastating loss to the community. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site as aviation and security experts continue their investigations.
As the nation mourns, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of strict aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and regular safety inspections across all domestic carriers.
Aircraft crashes killing 12 in Kwale
