Small Medical‑Plane Crash in Nairobi Leaves Six Dead in Densely Populated Urban Area

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A small aircraft carrying medical staff crashed into a densely populated neighbourhood in Kenya’s capital on Thursday afternoon, killing six people, local authorities said, according to Reuters. The aircraft was operated by AMREF Flying Doctors, a charity known for medical transport. The incident occurred as the plane was en route to Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, and is reported by authorities as a tragic accident. It highlights risks of air missions over urban zones.

The plane took off from Wilson Airport before going down in a residential area. It collided in a tightly settled zone, amplifying the human toll.

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Local officials confirmed that six people were killed in the crash. Four occupants aboard the aircraft and two people on the ground lost their lives.

The aircraft was headed toward Hargeisa in Somaliland. AMREF Flying Doctors operates in medical air transport, often serving remote areas.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority noted the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control just three minutes after takeoff. It departed Wilson Airport at 02:14 pm and disappeared from radar by 02:17 pm.

Witnesses reported seeing a fireball and debris scattered over the neighbourhood. One witness, who asked not to be named, described the scene.

Fires were visible, and emergency responders awaited further coordination. The tragedy has prompted concern over safety in high‑risk air routes.

Crashes involving light aircraft in eastern Africa are not uncommon. In April of last year, a military helicopter crash near Nairobi killed ten, including the military chief.