Kenya, Africa: Six people were killed on Thursday when a medical evacuation aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, shortly after taking off from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The twin-engine Cessna Citation XLS, also identified as a Cessna Citation 560, departed Wilson Airport at about 2:15 p.m. local time for Hargeisa in Somaliland, carrying a medical crew but no patient. It lost both radio and radar contact roughly three minutes after departure.
Eyewitnesses said they heard an unusual engine noise before the jet descended and struck the roof of a two-storey home, exploding into flames that engulfed the building. Thick black smoke was seen rising above the densely populated suburb, with residents attempting to rescue those trapped before emergency crews arrived.
Authorities confirmed that all four people onboard the pilot, a doctor, and two nurses died instantly. Two residents inside the house were also killed, two other people on the ground sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In a statement quoted by AP News, AMREF Flying Doctors said it was “devastated” by the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. The organization confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
First responders from the Kenya Red Cross, county emergency services, and police cordoned off the area, evacuated neighboring homes, and began recovery efforts. Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour before it was brought under control.
According to Reuters, KCAA Director General Emile Arao said the Air Accident Investigation Department is leading a full inquiry into the crash. Weather at the time was reported as clear, and investigators will examine witness accounts of possible engine trouble, review maintenance records, and analyze the aircraft’s flight data once recovered.
The wreckage remains secured at the site as structural engineers assess damage to the residential property. Local officials have called for a review of flight paths over populated areas to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
