At least 12 people are feared to have died after a plane carrying tourists crashed on its way to a famous wildlife safari in Kenya.
Authorities have said that all on board the flight, operated by Kenyan Mombasa Air Safari, were tragically killed en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The small Cessna Caravan-type aircraft was said to have crashed in a hilly and forested area in the coastal region of Kwale.
It was carrying a group of holidaymakers to the world-renowned safari experience but crashed mere minutes after take-off.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The airline has confirmed that the plane was carrying eight Hungarians, two Germans and a Kenyan crew member.
Officials have said that the light aircraft burst into flames shortly into its flight before crashing, leaving behind a smoking crater and twisted wreckage.
Witnesses describe hearing a loud bang before coming across the remains of the downed craft.
While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, officials point to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions as possible factors.
12 people have been killed in a plane crash over Kenya
|REUTERS
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that emergency services had arrived at the scene soon after sunrise.
"We wish to confirm that an aircraft, registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z," they said.
"The aircraft had 11 persons on board. Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and its impact," the agency added.
The Aviation Safety Network also clarified: “A Mombasa Air Safari Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, flight RRV203, crashed near Kwale.
The plane caught fire moments after takeoff before crashing in a hilly area
|REUTERS
“The 11 occupants perished, and the aircraft was destroyed," they added.
The plane was carrying the holidaymakers from the coastal town of Diani to a resort in a game park, Kichwa Tembo.
"Our primary focus right now is on providing all possible support to the families affected," Mombasa Air Safari said in their statement.
The airline operates flights from the Kenyan city of its namesake to major tourist destinations across the African country.
The holidaymakers were en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
|GETTY
Tuesday's tragedy comes just months after a similar air disaster in Kenya.
In August, a light aircraft from the medical NGO Amref crashed on the outskirts of capital Nairobi, killing six and injuring two more.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
More From GB News