Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed that a small aircraft carrying 12 people crashed on Tuesday in Kwale County, along the country’s southern coastline.

In an official statement, the KCAA said the plane was en route from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, a popular safari destination near the Maasai Mara, when it went down.

“Emergency response teams and relevant government agencies have been dispatched to the crash site to assist with rescue operations and begin investigations into the cause of the accident,” the statement read.

Officials said details regarding casualties or survivors remain unclear as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Kwale County, located near the Indian Ocean, is a major tourism hub known for its beaches and coastal resorts. The town of Diani hosts one of Kenya’s busiest private airstrips, serving as a gateway between the coast and inland safari destinations.

Authorities said a full report on the crash will be released once investigations are complete.