At least three people have been confirmed dead following a light aircraft crash in the Kwachocha area of Malindi on Friday afternoon, January 10, 2025.
The tragic incident left three others injured and occurred when the plane crash-landed along the Malindi-Mombasa Highway, bursting into flames upon impact. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with the aircraft engulfed in flames and thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
According to eyewitness accounts, the plane fell onto several motorcycles in the area, causing additional destruction. It also crashed into an under-construction hotel in Malindi, amplifying the damage.
Videos from the scene, viewed by City mirror, captured the devastating aftermath, with emergency responders battling the inferno. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the flames while police and rescue teams cordoned off the area to facilitate recovery efforts.
The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined, though initial reports suggest the possibility of further fatalities, with some victims burned beyond recognition.
Photos from the crash site show a crowd of onlookers gathered around the wreckage, as the incident caused a significant traffic jam along the busy highway.
This latest crash adds to a string of aviation accidents in Kenya. In September 2024, a light aircraft from an aviation school crashed into Nairobi National Park, injuring the pilot and a trainee. Earlier in March 2024, a mid-air collision between a training aircraft and a passenger plane near Wilson Airport resulted in two fatalities.
Authorities have launched investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the Malindi crash, with updates expected as details emerge.
