Plane with 12 on board crashes in Kwale, near Kenya’s coast

A small aircraft with 12 people on board has tragically crashed near the coastal town of Kwale, Kenya.

According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the plane went down around 5:30 AM local time (02:30 GMT) after taking off from Diani, heading to Kichwa Tembo, a popular resort within a game park.

The KCAA has confirmed that government agencies are currently on-site, working diligently to assess the crash’s impact and determine the cause of the accident. Police reports are suggesting that tourists were among the passengers, though no specific details on their identities have been disclosed as of yet.

Images circulating on local media show the aircraft engulfed in flames on the ground, with debris scattered across the scene. Rescue teams and emergency responders are reported to have arrived promptly at the site of the crash.

As investigations continue, the KCAA has urged the public to remain patient while authorities work to gather more information. The identity of the victims and the full details surrounding the cause of the crash are expected to be released in due course.

This incident marks a somber moment for Kenya’s aviation industry and raises questions about safety standards for small aircraft operations, especially those involved in tourist travel.

The crash site is located near Kwale, which lies along the southern coast of Kenya, an area popular with both local and international tourists.

While it remains unclear at this time if any survivors have been found, emergency services are continuing their efforts to clear the wreckage and aid any possible survivors.