Rescue Mission Underway After Plane Accident at JKIA

Entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Photo
KAA

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), on Wednesday, May 31, announced an incident involving an overflying aircraft at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

In a statement, it was reported that rescue operations were underway at the airport, with the authorities yet to establish the cause of the incident.

"An aircraft overflying Nairobi encountered an incident at JKIA this morning. Immediate rescue operations are underway, led by our dedicated emergency response teams," KAA played cagey in its statement.

"We are working closely with authorities as we prioritize the safety of all involved," the statement added. 

A photo of a departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta Internation Airport (JKIA) taken on May 16, 2020.
A photo of a departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) taken on May 16, 2020.
Photo
KAA

An insider at the airport who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke also declined to offer more information, stating that KAA was compiling a comprehensive statement.  

"We are looking to ascertain the incident - cannot confirm if it's a crash yet. Wait for comprehensive information," the source added. 

Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen smoke engulfing the plane at JKIA.

KAA is yet to disclose whether the plane was landing or taking off and whether passengers or cargo was aboard. No casualties have been reported. 

In a follow-up statement, KAA clarified that the incident was a drill conducted by their team. It was noted that the exercise was procedural and successful.

"The exercise, which involved a simulated incident of an aircraft that crashed at the airport while overflying Nairobi, was organized by KAA as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing airport emergency response capabilities and ensuring the highest level of preparedness in case of any unforeseen events," read the statement in part.

On April 17, a cargo plane failed to take off, leading to the temporary closure of the international airport.

According to KAA, the plane - which developed technical issues- had damaged tyres that needed replacing.

"Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible. As a result of the runway closure, all incoming and outgoing flights have been temporarily suspended," KAA stated.

A collage image of refurbished JKIA terminals 1B and IC taken on September 27, 2022.
A collage image of refurbished JKIA terminals 1B and IC taken on September 27, 2022.
Photo
KAA

 

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