One person killed many injured in KDF aircraft crash in Elwak, Mandera County

A point pin showing El Wak on the Kenya/Somalia border where the Monday midday crash happened. MAP|GOOGLE

By CYRUS OMBATI

NAIROBI, KENYA: At least one person was killed and several others were injured when a Kenya Defence Forces utility aircraft crashed Monday in Elwak, Mandera County.

Officials said the Harbin Y12 had taken off from Elwak headed for Garissa then to Nairobi when it crashed. Military officials were mum on the details of the crash.

But witnesses said they had seen at least one body and a number of serious injuries following the incident.

Those reached confirmed there had been a crash that happened at about midday but could not provide more details but said there were serious injuries.

The plane had apparently originated Mandera military base and made a stop at Elwak before trying to take off when it went down.

“We have been informed there was a crash involving a Y-12 but you have to wait for details,” said spokesman Bogita Ongeri.

The high wing twin-engine is said to have been carrying unknown number of personnel at the time of the incident. It usually carries up to 20 personnel.

KDF is involved in operations in large parts of North Eastern that border the main Kenya-Somali border.

Other officials said other planes including choppers were dispatched from Nairobi to the site of the accident to evacuate the injured.