A routine flight from Kenya’s coast to the Maasai Mara National Park turned into a fiery tragedy on Tuesday morning when a small passenger plane plunged from the sky, killing all 11 people on board, including several foreign tourists — in a devastating crash that left nothing but charred wreckage.The plane, operated by a regional airline, was en route from the tourist hotspot of Diani to Kichwa Tembo airstrip inside the world-famous Maasai Mara National Park when it went down around 5:30 am local time (0230 GMT).Videos circulating online showed smouldering wreckage strewn across a remote field, with emergency responders attempting to douse the flames, a grim reminder of the devastating impact of the early-morning crash.“Sadly, there are no survivors,” the airline said in a statement, citing preliminary information. “We have activated our emergency response team and are cooperating with local authorities.” “Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event” they added.The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), in an earlier statement, said the aircraft had been carrying 12 people, though officials later confirmed 11 fatalities. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of those killed or the possible cause of Tuesday’s crash. The agency noted that government investigators were already on site to determine the cause of the crash.Earlier in August, an Amref medical plane crashed on the outskirts of Nairobi, killing six people and injuring two others.(With inputs from agencies)
