6 Killed as Medical Plane Crashes into Nairobi Neighbourhood

Zim Now Writer

Six people have died after a small aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed into a residential area in Kenya’s capital on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities said the Cessna plane was en route to Hargeisa, the capital of Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region, when it went down shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport. On board were four medical staff members, all of whom perished alongside two residents on the ground.

According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft departed at 2:14 p.m. local time (11:14 GMT) but lost contact with air traffic control just three minutes later. 

Moments after, it plunged into the densely populated Githurai suburb in northeastern Nairobi, erupting into flames.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission,” KCAA said in a statement.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before seeing a fireball and debris raining over homes. Videos circulating on social media showed firefighters battling flames inside what appeared to be a residential compound.

Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed the fatalities, while emergency teams worked through the evening to secure the site.