A tragic plane crash off the coast of Kenya has claimed the lives of 10 European tourists and a Kenyan pilot. The accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when the aircraft was flying from the Diani Beach resort to the Maasai Mara Game Park, one of Kenya’s most popular safari destinations.
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What Happened
The ill-fated plane, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, departed from Diani Beach and was heading toward an airstrip in the Maasai Mara, a world-famous park known for its breathtaking wildlife and safari experiences.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the crash happened at around 05:30 local time (02:30 GMT). The plane, carrying eight Hungarian tourists, two German tourists, and a Kenyan pilot, went down approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) above the town of Kwale, shortly after takeoff.
Eyewitnesses and local media shared distressing images showing the aircraft engulfed in flames, with debris scattered around the crash site.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde confirmed that all the passengers were foreign tourists. “All the passengers were tourists,” he said, adding that an investigation is ongoing. Early findings suggest that poor weather conditions, including rain and heavy fog, may have contributed to the accident.
Investigation and Official Statement
Authorities have prioritized support for the victims’ families as the investigation continues. Mombasa Air Safari expressed its deep condolences in a public statement and assured full cooperation with investigators and assistance to the bereaved families.
“The weather is not very good here at the moment. It has been raining since the morning and there is a lot of fog,” said Stephen Orinde. “We can’t prejudge the findings, but we are looking into the possibility that weather played a role.”
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash, with initial reports focusing on the challenging weather conditions at the time of departure.
This tragedy comes just months after another plane crash in August 2025, involving a light aircraft owned by the medical charity Amref, which resulted in the deaths of six people.
Public and Social Media Reactions
News of the fatal crash has sent waves of shock and grief throughout Kenya and across Europe. Members of the tourism community have expressed sorrow over the loss, calling it a heartbreaking setback for the region’s tourism industry.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and tributes to the victims. Many users have also called for enhanced safety measures for flights operating in adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of improving monitoring and response systems for small aircraft.
Official Support and Next Steps
Kenyan authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and are expected to release an official report once all findings are complete. In the meantime, Mombasa Air Safari and local government agencies are coordinating efforts to support the victims’ families and provide necessary assistance.
Officials have also urged the public and the media to respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time and refrain from speculation as the investigation unfolds.
Conclusion
This tragic plane crash near Kenya’s coast serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly disaster can strike, even during moments of adventure and exploration. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the accident and ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
As the investigation continues, the thoughts and prayers of people around the world remain with the families of the 10 European tourists and the Kenyan pilot who lost their lives in this devastating incident.