Tragedy struck early Tuesday in Kenya's coastal region of Kwale when a plane crash claimed the lives of 11 people, predominantly European tourists.

The aircraft was on its way to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The airline, Mombasa Air Safari, confirmed that eight Hungarian passengers, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot perished in the catastrophe.

The ill-fated Cessna Caravan-type aircraft went down in a hilly and wooded area approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Diani airstrip in southeastern Kenya.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Shortly after takeoff from Diani, communication with the pilot ceased. Despite efforts by the airport control tower to establish contact for 30 minutes, it wasn't until later that the wreckage was discovered.

"Our primary focus right now is on providing all possible support to the families affected," Mombasa Air Safari stated solemnly.

The crash occurred at around 5:30 am local time (3:30 am CET), coinciding with heavy rainfall across coastal Kenya, according to Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde.

Upon impact, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by flames engulfing the plane, leaving behind only charred remnants and tragically unrecognizable human remains.

Local media broadcasted harrowing images showing fires raging through debris at the crash site.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located west of Kenya's coastline and remains a major tourist draw due to its spectacular annual wildebeest migration from Tanzania's Serengeti.