UPDATE: The death toll of the Kwale plane crash has been revised to 11, with the Ministry of Roads and Transport revealing that a probe has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the plane, which was carrying tourists, was headed to Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara Game Reserve after departing from Diani in the morning hours.
While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, those privy to the situation cited poor visibility due to the unfavourable weather conditions as a possible cause of the fatal crash.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) wishes to confirm that an aircraft registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z,” KCAA noted.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the plane engulfed in flames, with spots of its scattered debris along the scene of the accident.
Additional clips showed first responders conducting rescue operations, with KCAA disclosing that government agencies were already on site to determine the cause of the accident and its impact.
“The aircraft had 12 persons on board. Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and its impact,” said KCAA.
While confirming the accident, Kwale police commander Abdillahi Alio said that the crash occurred moments after takeoff in Kwale Tsimba, an area known for its dense forest cover and thickets.
The accident came two days after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned Kenyans living along the coast to brace for heavy rains and strong winds.
In an alert on Sunday, the weatherman revealed it was keeping a close eye on tropical storm Chenge, which was moving slowly across the Indian Ocean.
According to the Kenya Met, Chenge was located 500 kilometres north of Madagascar as of Sunday, October 26, but was moving westward at about 11 kilometres per hour.
Upon its arrival on the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania, the storm was predicted to bring high waves, strong winds, and a lot of rain.
Aside from the looming threat of the storm, the weather in Diani this morning had been characterised by rain, high winds, and thunder, prompting questions on why the plane was allowed to take off.
