12 feared dead as plane crashes into crater

A SMALL aircraft has crashed at Empaakai Crater, in the remote Nainokanoka Ward of Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

While it is feared that the plane, belonging to Coastal Airline had 12 people on board, NCAA Public Relations officer Walter Mairo offered scanty details, saying “We are on the way to the scene.”

He said NCAA rescue teams, the police and medical personnel were heading to the scene. Arusha Regional Police Commander Charles Mkumbwa confirmed the incident, saying he was also on the way to Ngorongoro.

This is the second time the aircraft has crashed into the national park. Last month, another aircraft nosedived in Serengeti, injuring five passengers