At least 12 people are feared dead after a light aircraft carrying tourists crashed on Monday morning in Kwale County, moments after taking off from Diani.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the incident, saying the plane, registration 5Y-CCA, was en route to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara when it went down shortly after departure.
“KCAA wishes to confirm that an aircraft registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z,” the authority said in a statement.
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, early reports suggest that poor visibility and heavy rains may have contributed to the accident. Several witnesses said the weather in the coastal region had been unstable, with strong winds and thunder earlier in the morning.
Plane Engulfed in Flames
Footage circulating on social media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames, its twisted metal scattered across dense thickets near the crash site in Tsimba area, about 20 kilometres from Diani.
First responders could be seen battling the fire as rescue teams searched for survivors. KCAA confirmed that government agencies, including police and aviation safety experts, were already on site “to establish the cause of the accident and its impact.”
Kwale County Police Commander Abdillahi Alio said the crash occurred “just minutes after takeoff,” describing the area as difficult to access due to thick vegetation and muddy terrain following the morning downpour.
Storm Warning Issued Days Earlier
The crash came barely two days after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning of heavy rains and strong winds along the coast.
In an alert released on Sunday, the department said it was tracking Tropical Storm Chenge, which had been moving slowly across the Indian Ocean, about 500 kilometres north of Madagascar. The storm, it said, was expected to bring high waves and gusty winds to the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.
By Monday morning, Diani’s skies were thick with low-hanging clouds, and rain pounded the region intermittently. Aviation experts are now questioning whether the flight should have been cleared for takeoff under such conditions.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have sealed off the crash site as investigations continue. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of families.
KCAA said it would provide updates as new information becomes available. “Safety remains our utmost priority,” the statement added.
The crash marks one of the most tragic aviation incidents in Kenya this year, reigniting concerns about flight safety during adverse weather and the preparedness of small aircraft operators.