Witnesses reported the plane burst into flames, and unrecognisable human remains were found at the site. Mehr News Agency reports that authorities say the nationalities of the tourists are still being confirmed.

Official response & investigation

Africa News reports that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation. They confirm the plane had either 11 or 12 people onboard (initially reported as 12). The crash site in Kwale is challenging—dense terrain combined with heavy rain and poor visibility are being cited as possible contributing factors.

The Times Kenya publication mentioned that tourism is a major industry in Kenya, and the Maasai Mara is one of its most-visited wildlife reserves. A crash of this nature raises urgent questions about safety protocols for charter tourism flights in remote regions.

This incident also marks one of the most deadly light-aircraft accidents in Kenya this year and comes amid scrutiny of aviation safety oversight in the region. The aircraft is described as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan-type operated by Mombasa Air Safari, flying from Diani Beach (coast) to the Maasai Mara. The crash occurred in a hilly, forested area about 40 km (≈ 25 miles) from the Diani airstrip.