NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A tragic incident occurred early Tuesday when a small plane crashed in the coastal region of Kwale, Kenya. The Cessna Caravan-type aircraft was en route to the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve when it went down, resulting in fears of 12 fatalities among the passengers and crew.

The crash transpired in a hilly and forested area approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Diani airstrip. According to Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, all the passengers on board were reported to be foreign tourists. However, the specific nationalities of the individuals have not yet been confirmed.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has reported that there were 12 people aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Details regarding the distribution of passengers and crew members remain unclear at this time. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang just moments after takeoff, followed by flames as the plane crashed and created a charred wreckage at the scene.

Upon arriving at the site, witnesses stated they encountered unrecognizable human remains. This distressing scene highlights the severity of the crash and raises concerns regarding the safety of air travel, particularly in regions popular with tourists.

The airline involved, Mombasa Air Safari, has announced that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation led by the civil aviation authority. The airline committed to providing updates regarding the crash through the civil aviation body as more information becomes available.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned as a major tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes and the annual wildebeest migration that draws millions of visitors from across the globe. However, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel in remote areas, even to popular tourist locations.