An aircraft carrying 11 individuals veered off the runway at Lichota Airstrip in Migori Town on Monday, September 16, during takeoff.
Fortunately, all passengers and crew members onboard escaped without serious injuries.
Incident Overview
The aircraft, registered as 5Y-ZBW and operated by Z. Boskovic Air Charters, was attempting to take off around 12:30 PM when it encountered difficulties.
Eyewitness Moses Ywera described the scene, noting that the plane struggled during takeoff, veering off the runway and emitting smoke as it stalled.
Emergency Response
A fire engine and an ambulance from the Migori County government rushed to the scene following the incident.
The swift response from emergency services ensured no fatalities or injuries occurred. Z. Boskovic Air Charters confirmed that all passengers and one crew member onboard remained unharmed, expressing relief over the absence of casualties.
The airline is cooperating with authorities to investigate the cause of the incident. In a statement, they acknowledged their engagement with relevant bodies to support the investigation into what led to the aircraft veering off the runway.
The Lichota Airstrip, while serving small chartered flights within Kenya, is relatively less busy compared to larger airports.
This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting calls for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains vigilant about air travel safety, hoping for improvements that will enhance operational standards at local airstrips.