12 Tourists Feared Dead in Kenya Plane Crash Near Diani

‎Tragedy struck Kenya’s coastal region on Tuesday morning after a light aircraft carrying 12 people crashed just minutes after taking off from the Diani airstrip in Kwale County, bursting into flames and leaving no known survivors.

‎Authorities confirmed that the Cessna Caravan-type plane, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was heading to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down in a hilly, forested area about 40 kilometers from Diani.

‎Kwale County Commissioner, Stephen Orinde, told reporters that all the passengers were believed to be foreign tourists, though their nationalities were yet to be verified at the time of reporting.

‎The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the crash, adding that details of the passengers and crew would be made public once their identities were confirmed.

‎Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a “loud explosion” shortly after takeoff. When locals rushed to the scene, they found the wreckage engulfed in flames, with the remains of those onboard completely burned beyond recognition.

‎In a brief statement, Mombasa Air Safari said it was cooperating with aviation authorities and that further updates would be released through official channels.

‎The ill-fated flight was bound for the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, famous for its annual wildebeest migration and scenic safari tours.