Tragic Air Ambulance Crash in Githurai Claims Six Lives
On Thursday, an air ambulance operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed into the crowded Mwihoko neighborhood of Githurai, northeast of Nairobi, killing six individuals shortly after takeoff from Wilson Airport, reports 24brussels.
The Cessna Citation XLS was engaged in a medical evacuation mission to Hargeisa in Somaliland when it lost radar contact just three minutes post-departure at 2:14 p.m., raising immediate alarm among aviation officials.
Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed the deaths of all four occupants on board, which included the pilot, co-pilot, and two medical personnel. Tragically, two additional fatalities occurred when the wreckage impacted nearby residences.
The crash ignited a fire that rapidly spread across multiple structures, with footage emerging online depicting firefighters struggling against flames amidst twisted debris and scattered medical supplies.
In response, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority expressed profound condolences and initiated a formal investigation into the incident. Investigators are currently analyzing flight data, maintenance history, and communication logs to establish the crash’s cause.
Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden roar as the aircraft descended, followed by an explosion that engulfed parts of the neighborhood.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of light aircraft accidents in East Africa. A similar tragedy occurred in April 2024, when Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces and nine others died in a helicopter crash shortly after takeoff.
The ongoing investigation aims to address the critical need for enhanced oversight and safety protocols within the region’s aviation sector.
