By Grace Gilo
An aircraft has reportedly crashed near Mwihoko Secondary School, directly opposite Ngatho AIPCA Church, today at exactly 2:15 PM.
Six people have been confirmed dead and at least two others injured, following the aircraft crash.
AMREF Flying Doctors has released a statement confirming that one of its aircraft, Cessna Citation XLS, registration 5Y-FDM, was the one involved in the fatal accident.
“The aircraft took off from Wilson at 1417hrs en-route to Hargeisa, Somalia and crashed at Mwihoko area, Nairobi,” read the statement in part.
At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation.
“Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues. We are also offering all necessary assistance to the authorities as investigations continue,” said Stephen Gitau, AMREF Flying Doctors CEO & Accountable Manager
The CEO further affirmed that all official updates will be shared through AMREF Flying Doctors’ official website and Social media channels.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), police and rescue services have arrived at the scene.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident and said emergency response teams were heading to the scene.
“A chopper has reportedly crashed in a residential area in Mwihoko, Kiambu County. Response teams are en route to the scene,” stated the Kenya Red Cross.
Githurai 45 sub-county police commander, Maurice Odanga, has said that he is aware of the incident and is heading to the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter lost control mid-air before hitting the ground with a loud bang that shook the entire area.
Some passengers on board were seen attempting to escape using parachutes, but unfortunately, it was too late.
A heavy military presence swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the growing crowd and secure the area.
Several nearby houses caught fire due to the crash, but the Fire Brigade responded quickly and managed to contain and extinguish the flames before further damage could occur.
The number of people on board the helicopter is still unknown.
No details on casualties or survivors so far, as rescue operations are ongoing.
More details to follow.