AMREF Flying Doctors has pledged full support for the families of its staff and civilians affected by Thursday’s fatal aircraft crash in Mwihoko, Githurai area, Nairobi.
The Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, had just taken off from Wilson Airport en route to Hargeisa, Somaliland, for a medical evacuation mission when it lost contact with air traffic control barely three minutes after departure at 14:17 hours.
Six people, including medical crew, the pilot, and two residents on the ground, were killed. Two others sustained serious injuries.
The aircraft crashed in a residential area near a military base, bursting into flames upon impact.
In a statement, AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau confirmed that the flight was on a humanitarian mission.
He said efforts to reach the crew via radio and satellite phone were unsuccessful shortly after takeoff.
“We are profoundly saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen colleagues and the affected members of the community,” Gitau said.
“We are doing everything possible to support the families, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
Emergency responders, including military and police units, quickly arrived at the crash site to secure the area and assist in the rescue and recovery operation.
Graphic video footage captured the wreckage engulfed in flames as bystanders watched from a distance.
Gitau added that AMREF Flying Doctors is working closely with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and security agencies to determine the cause of the accident.
He also acknowledged the swift response by the Kenya Police, KDF, Kiambu County officials, Kenya Red Cross, and members of the public.
“We are grateful for the swift and generous support,” he said. “We will continue to provide accurate and timely updates as more information becomes available.”
Investigations are ongoing, with air crash investigators expected to analyse flight data, communications, and debris from the wreckage.
![[PHOTOS] Ongoing rescue after aircraft crash in Mwihoko](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.radioafrica.digital%2Fimage%2F2025%2F08%2Fec21563a-7c04-468c-90d4-b0a821d03739.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
