Tragedy struck in Kenya early Tuesday when a small plane crashed while flying to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, killing everyone on board.
The aircraft went down in a hilly, forested area about 25 miles from Diani airstrip at around 5:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. GMT). Rescue and recovery operations were underway, according to Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde.
Initial reports from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said there were 12 people on the plane, but a preliminary update confirmed 10 passengers—eight Hungarians and two Germans—along with one Kenyan crew member, believed to be the captain.
In a statement, Kenyan airline Mombasa Air Safari said, “Sadly, there are no survivors. We are profoundly saddened to report that, according to preliminary information, there were 10 passengers—eight Hungarians and two Germans—and one Kenyan crew member (the captain) on board.”
Government authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s most popular safari destinations, famous for its annual wildebeest migration and stunning wildlife.