Skip to main content
On Air Now

At least six dead, including two doctors, as air ambulance crashes into homes during mission

Rescuers stand next to the wreckage parts from a scene where a Kenyan medical plane crashed, killing at least 6 people, on the outskirts of Nairobi
Rescuers stand next to the wreckage parts from a scene where a Kenyan medical plane crashed, killing at least 6 people, on the outskirts of Nairobi. Picture: SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images

By Jacob Paul

At least six people have been killed and two others injured after a plane crashed into homes in a residential area in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Kenya.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Two doctors, two nurses and two members of public are among the dead, according to the Kiambu County Commissioner.

The plane departed from Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 2.17pm and crashed on its way to Hargeisa, Somalia.

The cause of the crash is not yet clear. The aircraft had four people onboard at the time.

A medical light aircraft crashed into a small residential block near the Kenyan capital Nairobi, killing at least six people and injuring two seriously, a local official said
A medical light aircraft crashed into a small residential block near the Kenyan capital Nairobi, killing at least six people and injuring two seriously, a local official said. Picture: SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images

The aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS, was owned by AMREF Flying Doctors, which provides "fixed- wing air ambulance services" in Africa

Footage from the scene online showed the plane in flames as people watched from a distance.

Read more: Fears Brit Air India crash victim was 'cremated as someone else' after grieving family receives wrong remains

Read more: Gatwick-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers including 53 Brits crashes minutes after take-off

Download the LBC app now.
Download the LBC app now. Picture: LBC

Emergency services and the military were reportedly seen at the site as they secured the area and kept crowds away.

AMREF Flying Doctors CEO Stephen Gitau said: "At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service were sent to the scene and are understood to be conducting rescue efforts.

The plane took off from Nairobi's Wilson airport at 2:17 pm local time (1100 GMT) and was en route to Somaliland when it came down in Ruiru, Kiambu County, shortly after 3:00 pm (1200 GMT)
The plane took off from Nairobi's Wilson airport at 2:17 pm local time (1100 GMT) and was en route to Somaliland when it came down in Ruiru, Kiambu County, shortly after 3:00 pm (1200 GMT). Picture: SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission."

Kiambu County shares a border with Nairobi, the capital city.