The air travel company managing the ill-fated plane that crashed in Kwale County on Tuesday morning says the aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and one crew member when it crashed.
According to the company, the 10 passengers were all foreigners on a trip to the Maasai Mara. This contradicts earlier reports that indicated that the plane was ferrying 12 passengers when it crashed.
There were no survivors from the incident.
In an official statement, the company said the plane registration number 5Y-CCA was carrying eight Hungarians, two Germans and one Kenyan crew member.
“We are profoundly saddened to report that, according to preliminary information, there were 10 passengers and one crew member on board. Sadly, there are no survivors. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event,” read part of the statement.
The airline confirmed the plane was on a scheduled flight from Diani Airport to Kichwa Tembo, Maasai Mara.
Additionally, it affirmed that it had changed its focus to helping the impacted families by creating a Family Assistance Team that would provide counselling, logistical support, and other services.
Further, an emergency response team has been activated, and the airline is fully cooperating with authorities who have launched a probe.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said that in the wake of the tragedy, several government agencies were on site to establish the cause of the accident and its immediate impact.
At the crash site, images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed parts of the plane strewn across the crash site, showing the extent of the crash.
Further reports indicate that the aircraft burst into flames upon impact with the ground, lowering the chance of survival.
Initial rescue operations proved to be difficult due to the location of the crash site and the harsh weather, which hampered rescue efforts.
