Two people killed after aircraft crashes in Tsavo

Two people died after a light aircraft crashed at the Tsavo East National Park on December 8, 2022. [File, Standard]

Two people died on Thursday, December 8 after a light aircraft crashed in Tsavo East National Park.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the accident occurred at 7:15am.

There were two people, a man and his son, aboard the 5Y-DHS aircraft during the crash.

The aircraft is owned by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).

Teresia Igiria, the Head of Corporate Communications at the KWS, said more details will be made available soon.

"For now, we can't share the identities of the victims until their relatives are informed," Igiria told The Standard.

In a subsequent statement on Thursday afternoon, the KWS said: "The Kenya Wildlife Service has learned with deep sorrow about a fixed wing aircraft crash that occurred in Kona area along the Tiva in Tsavo East National Park, this morning.

"The plane, a Cessna 185 registration number 5Y-DHS, belonging to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), crashed at around 7:15am while on patrol in Huri - the north Eastern boundary of the park, regrettably instantly killing both occupants on board.

"KWS and DSWT teams are at the scene to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

"KWS wishes to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased."