Plane Crash in Kenya’s Coastal Region Kills 11 People
Introduction to the Incident
NAIROBI, Kenya — A plane crash killed 11 people, mostly foreign tourists, in Kenya’s coastal region of Kwale early Tuesday while en route to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The airline, Mombasa Air Safari, said in a statement eight Hungarian and two German passengers were on board, and that the Kenyan pilot was also killed. The plane crashed in a hilly and forested area about 25 miles from Diani airstrip, authorities said.
Investigation into the Crash
The airline did not confirm what time the aircraft departed Diani airstrip, saying the pilot failed to communicate upon departure and the airport control tower tried to reach him for 30 minutes before the plane was located.
Investigating agencies were looking into the cause of the crash that happened at 5:30 a.m. local time, Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told The Associated Press. Later, the ministry of transport said in a statement the crash occurred at 8.35 a.m. local time. There was heavy rain in coastal Kenya in the morning.
Aftermath of the Crash
The aircraft burst into flames, leaving a charred wreckage at the scene, officials said. Witnesses told the AP that they heard a loud bang, and upon arriving at the scene, they found unrecognizable human remains.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had earlier said that 12 people were on board the Cessna Caravan-type aircraft.
Popular Tourist Destination
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, located west of the coastline, is a two-hour direct flight from Diani, a popular coastal town known for its sandy beaches. The reserve attracts a large number of tourists as it features the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
The Kenyan coastline’s white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean attract tourists from all over the world.
Safety Concerns
According to the most recent safety oversight audit for Kenya posted on the International Civil Aviation Organization site, from 2018, the country fell below the global average in accident investigation.
Breaking News
Related
Conclusion
The plane crash in Kenya’s coastal region has resulted in the loss of 11 lives, mostly foreign tourists. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in the country. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular tourist destination, and the incident may have an impact on the tourism industry in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in Kenya’s coastal region?
A plane crash occurred in Kenya’s coastal region, killing 11 people, mostly foreign tourists, who were on board a flight from Diani to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Q: What was the cause of the crash?
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it is believed that the pilot failed to communicate with the airport control tower after departure, and the plane crashed in a hilly and forested area about 25 miles from Diani airstrip.
Q: How many people were on board the plane?
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, 12 people were on board the Cessna Caravan-type aircraft, including the pilot.
Q: What is the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular tourist destination located in southwestern Kenya, known for its annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
