A tragic plane crash occurred early Tuesday morning in Kenya’s coastal region of Kwale, claiming the lives of 11 people who were believed to be foreign tourists.
The aircraft, a small Cessna Caravan, was flying from Diani to the Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down in a hilly, forested area about 40 kilometers from Diani airstrip. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before discovering the wreckage engulfed in flames.
Local officials confirmed that all 11 people onboard were feared dead, though their nationalities have not yet been released. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The plane reportedly crashed just minutes after takeoff, leaving behind a charred wreck. Mombasa Air Safari, the airline operating the flight, said it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities as the investigation continues.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, the plane’s destination, is one of Kenya’s most famous tourist attractions, known worldwide for its spectacular wildlife and the annual wildebeest migration.