11 Passengers on Crashed Plane in Kwale, Company Confirms
An Air Safari aircraft that crashed in Kwale County on the morning of October 28, 2025, was carrying 11 people, including 10 passengers and one crew member, the company has confirmed. The tragedy has left no survivors, marking one of Kenya’s deadliest air accidents this year.
Airline Confirms Passenger Details
In an official statement, Mombasa Air Safari clarified that the plane, registration 5Y-CCA, was on a scheduled flight from Diani Airport to Kichwa Tembo, Maasai Mara. Earlier reports had suggested that 12 passengers were aboard. However, the airline confirmed there were eight Hungarians, two Germans, and one Kenyan crew member on board.
“We are profoundly saddened to report that there were 10 passengers and one crew member on board. Sadly, there are no survivors,” the company stated.
Rescue and Response Efforts
Following the crash, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said several government agencies were immediately deployed to the site to determine the cause of the accident. The crash site, located in a remote area of Kwale, made rescue efforts difficult due to harsh weather and rough terrain.
Witnesses reported that the light aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leaving wreckage scattered across the area. Images from the scene revealed the extent of the damage, with charred debris strewn over a wide radius.
Support for Affected Families
Air Safari has activated a Family Assistance Team to support the affected families. The team will provide counselling, logistical assistance, and updates as investigations continue. The airline also said it is fully cooperating with aviation authorities to uncover what caused the crash.
The KCAA confirmed that its investigators, alongside the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Police Airwing, are conducting a joint probe into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest adverse weather and visibility issues could have contributed to the accident, though a full investigation is still underway.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
The Kwale crash has reignited discussions on Kenya’s aviation safety standards, especially regarding small aircraft operating tourist routes. Experts have urged stricter maintenance checks and better weather monitoring systems to prevent similar tragedies.
This devastating accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with regional air travel and the urgent need for enhanced aviation safety protocols.
