MANDERA, KENYA, April 24, 2026 — A passenger plane operating along the Mandera–Nairobi route crash-landed at Mandera Airstrip on Friday morning after losing control upon landing, sparking panic among passengers and crew.
Preliminary reports indicate that all passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated following the incident.
The aircraft is reported to have veered off the runway moments after touching down at the airstrip from Nairobi, before crashing into a nearby thicket.
Emergency response teams stationed at the airstrip quickly moved in, helping those trapped inside the wreckage and securing the scene.
Images obtained from the scene show the plane partially damaged, with visible impact on the front section and wings, as responders assist passengers out of the aircraft.
The exact cause of the incident remains unclear, with investigations now underway to establish whether mechanical failure or weather conditions may have contributed to the loss of control.
Authorities have since cordoned off the affected section of the runway to allow for safety inspections and recovery operations.
Flight operations at the airstrip were temporarily disrupted as aviation officials worked to ensure the safety of subsequent landings and departures.
The incident adds to a growing number of aviation scares reported in the country in recent weeks. It comes barely a month after a similar occurrence at Wilson Airport, where a passenger plane also veered off the runway.
More details are expected as investigations continue.