11 confirmed dead in light aircraft crash in Kenya

Tragedy in Kenya: Light Aircraft Crash Claims 11 Lives

On the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, a devastating light aircraft crash occurred in Kenya, resulting in the confirmed deaths of all 11 individuals on board.

The aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was en route from the coastal tourist hub of Diani to Kichwa Tembo, an airstrip located within the renowned Maasai Mara National Park. The crash took place around 5:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT), under circumstances that are still being investigated.

According to John Cleave, chairman of Mombasa Air Safari, the plane was carrying 10 passengers and one crew member. The victims included eight Hungarian nationals, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot. Cleave expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Sadly, there are no survivors,” and confirmed that the airline had activated its emergency response team. He also emphasized the company’s full cooperation with local authorities in the ongoing investigation.

The airline extended its condolences, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event.”

There was initial confusion regarding the number of people aboard. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had earlier reported that the aircraft was carrying 12 individuals, though this figure was later revised.

The discrepancy remains unresolved, and officials are working to clarify the details. Emergency responders and government officials were swiftly deployed to the crash site to assess the situation and begin inquiries into the cause of the accident.

This tragedy follows another fatal aviation incident in Kenya just two months earlier. In August 2025, a light aircraft owned by the medical NGO Amref crashed near Nairobi, resulting in six deaths and two injuries.

These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about the safety of light aircraft operations in the region, especially those serving remote tourist destinations.

As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and awaits further clarity on what led to this heartbreaking event.