The unfortunate incident occurred as a light plane, operated by Amref Flying Doctors, lost contact shortly after takeoff and crashed into a residential area. The impact resulted in the deaths of both crew members and civilians, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety.
Tragic Plane Crash in Nairobi Claims Six Lives, Including Medical Personnel
Tragic Plane Crash in Nairobi Claims Six Lives, Including Medical Personnel
A small medical aircraft operated by a charity has tragically crashed in Nairobi, leading to the death of six individuals.
In a distressing aviation event on Thursday afternoon, a light aircraft belonging to the charity Amref Flying Doctors crashed in Nairobi, killing six people and injuring two others. The incident unfolded shortly after the Cessna plane departed Wilson airport, bound for Hargeisa, Somalia. Eyewitness accounts detailed a dramatic scene as the plane lost contact with air traffic control just three minutes post-takeoff.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula reported that among the deceased are four individuals intrinsic to the health sector, including doctors and nurses associated with the charity, as well as two civilians on the ground. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a residential building in the Githurai area of Nairobi, igniting flames and causing considerable destruction.
Amref, which aims to improve healthcare access in Africa, confirmed that they are working closely with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident. CEO Stephen Gitau expressed condolences for the tragic loss, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the facts about the crash. Emergency response teams, alongside the Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service, have been mobilized for search and recovery efforts at the scene.
Patricia Kombo, an eyewitness, recounted the harrowing moment, describing a loud bang followed by a red flash before smoke enveloped the area. The crash site left a gaping hole in the ground, a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded.
This incident comes on the heels of another accident in which a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing near Naivasha town, resulting in at least four fatalities. These events raise pressing questions about transportation safety in the region, calling for further scrutiny into aviation and traffic regulations in Kenya.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula reported that among the deceased are four individuals intrinsic to the health sector, including doctors and nurses associated with the charity, as well as two civilians on the ground. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a residential building in the Githurai area of Nairobi, igniting flames and causing considerable destruction.
Amref, which aims to improve healthcare access in Africa, confirmed that they are working closely with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident. CEO Stephen Gitau expressed condolences for the tragic loss, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the facts about the crash. Emergency response teams, alongside the Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service, have been mobilized for search and recovery efforts at the scene.
Patricia Kombo, an eyewitness, recounted the harrowing moment, describing a loud bang followed by a red flash before smoke enveloped the area. The crash site left a gaping hole in the ground, a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded.
This incident comes on the heels of another accident in which a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing near Naivasha town, resulting in at least four fatalities. These events raise pressing questions about transportation safety in the region, calling for further scrutiny into aviation and traffic regulations in Kenya.
