Fatal Plane Crash in Kenya Claims Lives of 10 Foreign Tourists Traveling to Maasai Mara National Park

Nairobi:

A small aircraft crashed in Kenya on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals aboard, including foreign nationals, according to the airline's statement.

The aircraft was traveling from Diani, a popular tourist destination on Kenya's coast, to Kichwa Tembo airstrip located within the Maasai Mara National Park when it went down at approximately 5:30 am local time (0230 GMT).

John Cleave, Mombasa Air Safari chairman, confirmed the accident and stated that the plane was carrying 10 passengers - eight Hungarian nationals, two German citizens - and a Kenyan pilot.

"Sadly, there are no survivors," he confirmed in an official statement, citing initial information. He added that the company had "activated our emergency response team" and was working in conjunction with local authorities.

"Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event," the airline's statement continued.

An earlier report from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had indicated that the aircraft was carrying 12 people when it crashed.

The KCAA provided no additional details but confirmed that government agencies were already at the crash site working to determine the cause of the accident.

In August, a separate incident occurred when a light aircraft operated by the medical NGO Amref crashed near Nairobi, resulting in six fatalities and two injuries.