Tragedy Near Nairobi: AMREF Air Ambulance Crashes, Killing Six in Shocking Incident

A devastating accident unfolded today as a medical aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed into a residential area near Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, claiming six lives and leaving others critically injured.

This article offers an in-depth, human-centered account of the crash, its immediate impact, the forces at play, and the broader implications on humanitarian aviation and public safety.

The Crash: What Happened

The ill-fated flight—a Cessna Citation 560 air ambulance—took off from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, destined for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Just three minutes after departure, the aircraft lost radar and radio contact with air traffic control.

It then slammed into a residential dwelling near Mwihoko Secondary School in Utawala, igniting into a fiery explosion that devastated the building and its surroundings. The crash killed all four crew and passengers on board, as well as two residents inside the house, while two others sustained serious injuries. Rescuers from the Kenya Red Cross and local emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the site.
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Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos and Grief

Residents described harrowing scenes:

“I heard a massive explosion, then saw body parts strewn across the yard,” one witness told Reuters.
Another said the aircraft seemed to burn mid-air before crashing, shaking local buildings as it descended.
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Families were left in shock. One woman wept as she surveyed her ruined home: “I’ve lost everything… but thank God, my children weren’t home.”
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The Aircraft and Operator: AMREF Flying Doctors

AMREF Flying Doctors is a long-standing Nairobi-based aviation charity providing critical medical services across East Africa. The aircraft involved—a Cessna Citation XLS—is specially configured for emergency medical transport. Amref confirmed the aircraft's involvement but offered limited details.
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AMREF's CEO, Stephen Gitau, stated their priority is aiding families and cooperating with aviation and emergency authorities to determine cause.
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Response from Authorities

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) publicly acknowledged the crash, expressing condolences and affirming that they are working closely with all agencies to support investigations and recovery.

Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula reported four casualties aboard the aircraft and two fatalities on the ground. He emphasized the ongoing search and rescue response.
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Broader Context: Wilson Airport's Safety Track

Wilson Airport is one of Nairobi’s two primary airports, handling much of the city’s regional and charter flights. While mostly successful operationally, Kenya has experienced aviation accidents in the past—such as the tragic 2012 crash that killed Interior Minister George Saitoti in a Kenya Police helicopter.
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Aftermath and Investigations

The crash has triggered sorrow and urgency across Kenya. Formal investigations are underway to determine contributing factors—maintenance history, pilot actions, possible mechanical failure or adverse weather. Safety experts stress the importance of rigorous oversight in medical aviation, where speed often intersects with elevated risk.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Humanitarian Aviation

This tragic event casts a spotlight on the vulnerability of medical air services when operating at scale under tight deadlines. It raises pressing questions about:

• Aviation safety protocols across charitable or humanitarian fleets

• Regulatory oversight at underserved or rapidly growing airports

• The need for robust training, equipment, and emergency preparedness in such flights

In Kenya and beyond, this incident may catalyze renewed calls for strengthened standards and better safeguarding vital life-saving services.