A tragic plane crash occurred in the Kwachocha area of Malindi on Friday afternoon, January 10, leaving a devastating scene of destruction and loss of life.
The light aircraft reportedly crash-landed near the Malindi-Mombasa Highway before bursting into flames. Videos circulating online show the wreckage engulfed in fire, with thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Early reports suggest there were no survivors from the crash. Disturbingly, it is believed that some schoolchildren walking home may have been caught in the aftermath.
Eyewitness footage reveals at least two fatalities, a man and a woman, who were on a motorcycle struck by the aircraft during its failed landing attempt. Their bodies were discovered near the wreckage, with the damaged motorcycle lying nearby.
The plane is said to have come down on the premises of an unopened hotel, damaging nearby structures and igniting fires along the highway. Parts of buildings and several motorcycles in the area sustained significant damage from the crash.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and ambulances, are on the scene, while hundreds of residents have gathered to witness the aftermath. The incident has caused severe traffic disruptions along the busy highway.
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of individuals aboard the plane or the cause of the crash. Investigations are underway, and further details are expected to emerge.
This marks yet another aviation disaster in recent months. Notable incidents from the past year include a military aircraft crash in April that claimed the lives of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine officers, a chartered plane crash in Migori in September with no fatalities, and a mid-air collision over Nairobi National Park in March, which resulted in two deaths.
