12 feared dead as tourist plane crashes en route to Maasai Mara in Kenya

Kenyan authorities have confirmed a tragic small aircraft crash in the coastal Kwale region, with early reports indicating that 12 people are feared dead. The light plane was en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down on Saturday morning.

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Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told the Associated Press that all those on board were foreign tourists, though their nationalities have not yet been officially confirmed. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the plane took off from Diani Airport and was headed to Kichwa Tembo before crashing in mountainous terrain about 25 miles from the Diani airstrip.

Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft burst into flames moments after takeoff, leaving behind a charred wreckage. Witnesses described hearing a powerful explosion before discovering the remains of the victims.

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Local media, including Capital News Kenya, reported that eight of the passengers were Hungarian, two were German, and the pilot was Kenyan.

Mombasa Air Safari, which operated the flight, said it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities as investigations continue. “Our primary focus right now is providing all possible support to the families affected,” a company spokesperson said, adding that a Family Assistance Team has been established to offer counselling and logistical support.

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The Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, attracts thousands of tourists every year, particularly during the annual wildebeest migration.

Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with aviation and safety officials already at the scene.