By Horn Africa News
Nairobi – Six people have been confirmed dead after a medical evacuation plane operated by Amref Flying Doctors crashed near Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, according to a senior government official.
The light aircraft, a Cessna model, took off from Wilson Airport on Thursday evening en route to Hargeisa, Somaliland. Just three minutes into the flight, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and radar, and suddenly crashed into a residential building in Githurai, Ruiru sub-county, Kiambu County.
Henry Wafula, Kiambu County Commissioner, confirmed that four people onboard — including doctors, nurses, and the pilot — perished in the crash. Two other victims on the ground were also killed, while two more suffered serious injuries.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched at the crash site, with coordinated efforts from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, and emergency response agencies.
A spokesperson for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated that the aircraft failed to make further communication with the flight control tower after the third minute of takeoff, indicating a likely sudden technical failure.
Stephen Gitau, CEO of Amref Flying Doctors, said the organization is fully cooperating with aviation authorities and rescue teams to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a bright red flash streak across the sky, followed by thick black smoke and people screaming and fleeing the area.
Patricia Kombo, a local resident, told the BBC that she was in a car with friends on Githurai Road when they heard a loud noise. “I saw a bright flash. I lifted my phone to record, but it suddenly stopped — smoke rose, and people were shouting,” she said.
In a separate incident, reports indicate that four employees of the Kenya Pipeline Company were killed in another tragedy near Naivasha, where a commuter bus collided with a train. Several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
The plane crash comes amid rising concerns over aviation safety in Kenya, with multiple aircraft incidents already recorded this year.
Special investigators are currently on the scene of the crash and have launched a full investigation. Findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
