A tragic air disaster struck Kenya early Tuesday morning as a small tourist plane crashed and burst into flames en route to one of the country’s most popular destinations, killing all 11 people aboard.

Authorities said the Cessna Caravan aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, was flying toward the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down in a wooded, hilly area roughly 25 miles from the coastal resort town of Diani. The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time amid heavy rain and poor visibility.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before discovering the burning wreckage scattered across the terrain. Emergency responders who arrived at the crash site described the scene as “completely destroyed,” with debris and fire damage making recovery efforts extremely difficult.

All on board — eight Hungarian tourists, two German nationals, and the Kenyan pilot — perished in the crash. According to the airline, the pilot failed to make contact with air traffic controllers after takeoff, prompting a 30-minute search before the wreckage was found.

Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, focusing on weather conditions, potential mechanical failure, and the pilot’s last known communications. Officials from both Hungary and Germany have been notified, with consular support being arranged for the victims’ families.

The tragedy has shaken Kenya’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on air transfers connecting the country’s coastal resorts and wildlife reserves. The Maasai Mara, known for its spectacular savannahs and annual wildebeest migration, attracts thousands of international visitors each year.

Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority said recovery operations are ongoing and pledged a full inquiry to ensure flight safety standards are reviewed and enforced to prevent future tragedies.