A fatal air ambulance crash occurred in Kenya on August 7, 2025, claiming the lives of six people and leaving two others seriously injured. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS operated by Amref Flying Doctors, crashed into a residential area in Ruiru, a suburb northeast of Nairobi.
The flight had departed from Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 2:17 PM local time and was en route to Somaliland. It came down less than an hour later, shortly after 3:00 PM, under unclear circumstances.
Sequence of Events
- Departure Time: 2:17 PM EAT (11:17 GMT)
- Crash Time: Shortly after 3:00 PM (12:00 GMT)
- Location: Ruiru, Kiambu County, near Nairobi
- Flight Route: Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Somaliland
- Aircraft Model: Cessna Citation XLS (mid-size medical jet)
Eyewitnesses reported that the plane caught fire in the air before plummeting into a home in a densely populated neighborhood.
Casualties and Witness Accounts
According to Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula, four people on board, including the pilot, were killed on impact. Two residents of the house the aircraft struck also lost their lives. Two additional people on the ground suffered severe injuries and are receiving emergency medical care.
Local residents described the chaos and devastation:
- Tasha Wanjira, a witness at the scene, said the plane appeared to be burning before impact.
- Irene Wangui noted that the aircraft flew extremely low, shaking nearby buildings before crashing.
- Margaret Wairimu, whose home was destroyed, said she had lost everything but was grateful her children were not home at the time.
Photographs from the site showed rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross and local emergency services combing through the debris as bystanders watched in disbelief.
Response from Amref Flying Doctors
Amref Flying Doctors confirmed that the crashed aircraft belonged to their fleet. CEO Stephen Gitau issued a brief statement:
“One of our aircraft was involved in a fatal accident today. We are focusing on the safety and well-being of those affected and are working with aviation authorities to investigate the incident.”
The organization also released a public statement confirming full cooperation with emergency response teams and aviation regulators to determine the cause of the crash.
Investigation and Aviation Oversight
Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched a formal investigation into the crash, with support from relevant agencies and international experts. The primary focus is determining whether technical failure, weather conditions, or human error contributed to the mid-air emergency.
The investigation will include an analysis of the flight data recorder (black box), aircraft maintenance logs, and witness reports.
Community Impact and Humanitarian Response
The crash has left a significant impact on the local community in Ruiru. Several homes were damaged or destroyed, displacing families. Relief efforts are underway, with support from humanitarian organizations and local authorities.
The Kenya Red Cross is assisting survivors with shelter, medical support, and psychological counseling. Community members have also stepped in to support displaced families with basic supplies and temporary housing.
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Conclusion
This tragic accident has raised new concerns about flight safety and emergency preparedness in the region, particularly in the medical aviation sector. As investigations continue, Kenya mourns the loss of six lives and offers support to those affected by this unexpected disaster.
The aviation community, humanitarian organizations, and government agencies have committed to uncovering the truth behind the crash and ensuring accountability and improved safety protocols moving forward.