2 Dead After Aircraft Crashes in Naivasha

Two people have been confirmed dead after a light aircraft crashed at Kedong Ranch in Naivasha on Thursday evening.

Naivasha OCPD Charles Mwai confirmed the accident, stating that rescue operations had been launched but were hindered by poor terrain and bad weather.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also confirmed the crash, stating that it occurred at approximately 5:14 PM on Thursday.

“KCAA regrets to confirm that an aircraft accident occurred late yesterday at Kedong Ranch, Naivasha, involving a Cessna 185 aircraft,” the authority stated.

“There were two persons on board (POB: 02), both of whom have unfortunately lost their lives. The initial information was reported by a member of the public to the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).”

According to reports, the duo had boarded the aircraft at Wilson Airport and were travelling to Mbaruk when the accident occurred.

The aircraft is said to have departed the airport at around 1.30 pm before it crashed hours later. However, the cause of the accident is yet to be established.

The rescue operation went late into the night with the Naivasha Police boss stating that the operation would continue on Friday morning.

Moments after the accident, the scene was cordoned off as investigators arrived to probe the cause of the crash.

This is not the first time a light aircraft accident has occurred in the country. On January 11, three people lost their lives after a plane crash-landed and burst into flames in Kwa Chocha area of Malindi.

The aircraft had just taken off from Malindi Airport when it developed mechanical issues. However, the pilot’s attempt to land in an open field proved futile, and the plane crash-landed along the Malindi-Mombasa Highway, tragically killing two boda boda riders and one pillion passenger.

Despite the crash, the pilot, a flight attendant, and a student survived with minor injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.