A light aircraft carrying tourists crashed in Kenya’s Kwale region on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including 10 Hungarian and German tourists and a Kenyan pilot. The plane was traveling from the coastal resort town of Diani to the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, a popular tourist destination known for its annual wildebeest migration.

The aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, took off from Diani and was headed to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is located west of the coastline and is accessible by a two-hour direct flight. According to officials, the plane burst into flames upon impact, leaving a charred wreckage in a hilly and forested area. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and found unrecognizable human remains at the scene.

Authorities initially reported the crash occurred at 05h30 local time, but the Kenyan transport minister later corrected the time to 08h35. The pilot failed to communicate with the control tower after taking off, and attempts to reach him were unsuccessful for 30 minutes before the plane was located.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the country’s aircraft accident investigation department. The Kenyan government has stated that aviation safety remains its “highest priority.” The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a significant tourist attraction, featuring the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania, and the incident may raise concerns about air safety in the region.

The cause of the crash is still unknown, and investigators will work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Kenyan government’s emphasis on aviation safety is likely to be reinforced as a result of this tragedy. With the investigation underway, more information is expected to emerge in the coming days. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the aviation industry, particularly in regions with high tourism traffic.