A single mother who lost her daughter in the fatal plane crash on Thursday, August 7, in Mwihoko has appealed for help from well-wishers to aid in facilitating her loved one’s burial and help her regain her footing.
Speaking on Friday, August 8, Mercy Nafula revealed that her daughter had just come from the salon when the plane, a CESSNA belonging to the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), crashed into their home and burst into flames, killing her instantly.
Narrating details of the incident, Nafula disclosed that she had gone to run errands, leaving her three children at home. The children later proceeded to the salon. She explained that her daughter left the salon to head back home to cook lunch, leaving behind her siblings and Nafula’s sister at the salon.
It was during that time, while her daughter was cooking, that the plane crashed into their home, claiming her daughter’s life and causing irreversible damage.
“I am lost for words. I am a single mother who has been raising these kids. I do not know where to begin because I have lost everything,” she narrated.
“From clothes for my business, my children’s birth certificates, I have nothing. I would like to request help to help me in burying my daughter, to cover the costs, and help me recover my belongings,” Nafula appealed.
Eyewitnesses said they saw the aircraft flying low before it crashed to the ground with a bang and immediately burst into flames. Following the incident, residents quickly rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts.
Videos and images widely shared on the internet also showed individuals believed to be military officials helping to put out the flames, which had already consumed a significant part of the aircraft. Firefighters from Ruiru town in Kiambu County had also arrived at the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire.
After the crash, a statement from AMREF revealed that the aircraft, belonging to the Flying Doctors wing of the organisation, was a Cessna Citation XLS and had just taken off from Wilson Airport at 2:17 pm en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, when it crashed.
It was noted that investigations were still underway to establish the exact cause of the accident. So far, the total number of reported casualties stands at six. This includes the four people who were on board the plane and two individuals, among them Nafula’s daughter, who were on the ground inside the house.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed that the four people on the air ambulance were two crew members and two medical personnel.
In their statement, AMREF reiterated that they are cooperating fully with the relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also issued a statement confirming the crash details. KCAA Director-General Emile Arao stated that the aircraft lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control just three minutes after take-off.
A probe has since been launched, involving KCAA’s Air Accident Investigation Department, the Ministry of Transport and security agencies.
