Eight Hungarians, Two Germans among victims of Kwale aircraft crash
The aircraft, according to police, had departed from Diani Airport early morning hours and was headed for Kichwa Tembo when it crashed around 5:30 a.m.
. The aircraft had been operational in Kenya for more than a decade and was very well known for its safety and reliability for the transport of both passengers and cargo. Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Mombasa Air Safari Limited confirmed that eleven people—ten foreigners and one Kenyan—perished in the horrific plane crash that occurred on Tuesday morning. The plane that crashed, which was registered as 5Y-CCA, was on a routine flight from Diani Airport in Kwale County to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara when the tragedy struck.
In an official statement, the airline revealed that the passengers were eight Hungarians and two Germans, along with one Kenyan crew member who served as the flight captain. Unfortunately, there were no survivors.
We regret to report that all those on board were fatalities in the crash. Our condolences and thoughts are with the loved ones and relatives of those affected by this senseless loss,” the company said.
The airline also announced that its emergency response plan had been activated the instant when the plane went down. The airline is cooperating closely with the aviation regulators and emergency services to determine the cause of the crash and to support the families of the victims.
“Our foremost and first priority at this sad moment is that the concerned families are provided with all kinds of possible support and assistance,” said John Cleave, Chairman of Mombasa Air Safari.
A dedicated Family Assistance Team has been set up to give counseling, logistics, and communication to family members of victims. The airline went on to add that it will keep on publishing confirmed updates as investigations go on.
The aircraft, according to police, had departed from Diani Airport early morning hours and was headed for Kichwa Tembo when it crashed around 5:30 a.m. The accident was confirmed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which also said the plane crashed during takeoff.
“KCAA avails that an aircraft, 5Y-CCA, that was on a flight from Diani to Kichwa Tembo had an accident at 0530Z. It was carrying 12 passengers,” said KCAA Director General Emile Arao. “Government authorities are present at the scene of the accident conducting investigations to determine the cause and impact of the accident.”
The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan produced in 2007, featured a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine and had the capacity to carry a maximum of 12 passengers. The aircraft had been operational in Kenya for more than a decade and was very well known for its safety and reliability for the transport of both passengers and cargo.
The accident marks a major blow to the tourism and aviation sector of Kenya, as Mombasa Air Safari has been one of the largest carriers to connect seaside towns with key safari destinations across the country for years.
About Author
