11 dead as plane crashes shortly after takeoff in Diani, Kwale

Eleven people were killed after the aircraft they were in crashed on Tuesday morning while en route from Diani, Kwale County, to Kichwa Tembo.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has since confirmed the aircraft registered as 5Y-CCA went down at 0530Z.

"We have come to know the impact of what has happened, but for details of the accident, you will not allow us to discuss it. Experts who deal with that have not arrived here. On behalf of my colleagues and those who are here, I send deepest condolences to the families of the 11 people who have perished and to those who are on the plane. I think it will also be appropriate once all information about the persons has been adequately collected and confirmed, then it can be released. Now can only talk of numbers, that there are 11 people and we have lost all 11," he said.

The government has deployed investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) to Kwale County to probe the tragic crash of a Mombasa Air Safari aircraft that claimed several lives on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that 11 people died in the accident involving a Kenyan-registered commercial aircraft, describing the incident as a national tragedy.

“The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, deeply regrets to announce a tragic air accident involving a Kenyan-registered commercial aircraft that occurred earlier today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this unfortunate event,” Chirchir said.

He noted that the aircraft, registration number 5Y-CCA and operated by Mombasa Air Safari, departed Diani Airport at around 8:25 am local time, headed to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara game reserve. Ten minutes later, at 8:35 am it lost radar contact with the Mombasa International Airport control tower.

Chirchir said multi-agency emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to search for the aircraft, and the wreckage was later found in Tsimba Golini Ward, Matuga Sub-County, in Kwale County.

“Tragically, all 11 occupants on board the aircraft were found to have suffered fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and the ensuing fire,” the Ministry said.

Chirchir said investigators from the AAID had already been deployed to the site to begin a comprehensive probe into the cause of the crash, in accordance with Annexe 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO).

“The Government of Kenya assures the public that aviation safety remains our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring a transparent, thorough and independent investigation, and will implement all necessary measures to uphold the highest standards of air safety in Kenya,” he added.

“Our hearts remain with the bereaved families, friends, and the entire aviation community during this difficult time. The Government stands united in offering every possible support and comfort to all those affected.”

The Ministry said it would provide timely updates as investigations progress.

Earlier, the Mombasa Air Safari Limited had confirmed the victims included eight Hungarians, two Germans, and one Kenyan crew member, who was the aircraft’s captain.

“We are profoundly saddened to report that there are no survivors. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event,” the airline said in a statement.

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John Cleave, the company’s Chairman, said an emergency response team had been activated to coordinate assistance and support to the affected families.

“Our primary focus right now is on providing all possible support to the families affected,” Cleave said.

The airline added that a Family Assistance Team had been formed to provide counselling, logistical help and other necessary support to the victims’ relatives.

“We will continue to cooperate with investigating authorities and provide updates as more details emerge,” the company said.

Local police said the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft, a single-engine turboprop, crashed shortly after takeoff from Diani. The cause of the crash was not immediately established.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the accident, stating that the plane went down at 0530Z (8:30 a.m. local time) while en route to Kichwa Tembo.

The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, was a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A engine. The model is known for its reliability and versatility in passenger and cargo operations, typically carrying up to 12 people depending on load and balance.

Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene following the crash, with locals reporting heavy smoke and flames. The aircraft had been in service for over a decade, operating safely in Kenya’s skies and connecting major tourist destinations across the country.

Reporting by Maureen Kinyanjui, Lucy Mumbi and Farhiyah Hussein.