Plane crash near Malindi kills three on ground
A tragic aircraft accident occurred near Malindi airport in Kenya, resulting in three fatalities on the ground while all three occupants of the plane survived. The incident took place at 14:52 local time, approximately 2 kilometers from the airport.
The Cessna 172, operated by Kenya Aeronautical College, was conducting a training flight to Nairobi when it experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff. The aircraft crash-landed on the Malindi-Mombasa highway, striking several motorcycles and bursting into flames upon impact. The crash claimed the lives of a motorcycle rider, a woman, and an infant.
According to Kilifi County Police Commander Joseph Ongwae, the aircraft's occupants - a pilot, an instructor, and a student - survived with minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Video footage shared online showed the burning wreckage on the road, with the fire spreading to nearby makeshift structures before being extinguished by emergency responders.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Local residents have called for enhanced safety measures around the airport following the incident. The aircraft, identified as 5Y-CDC, was heading to Wilson Airport in Nairobi when the accident occurred.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, particularly regarding flight training operations and the proximity of air traffic to populated areas. Government agencies are actively investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic event, as the community mourns the loss of three lives in this devastating accident.
The crash highlights the potential risks associated with aviation activities near populated areas and underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols in flight training operations.
