NAKURU, Kenya, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least five people ware feared dead after a light aircraft crashed in Lake Nakuru in southwestern Kenya shortly after taking off from a hotel in the town early Saturday.
Nakuru County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said rescue mission as still ongoing after the aircraft crashed into the lake with five occupants during the takeoff at around 6.20 a.m., with some occupants being journalists.
"Five people are onboard. Rescue mission is ongoing. The lake is full of hippos and there was no board to reach the site on time. The chopper was headed for Narok on campaign for Jubilee party," Nkanatha said.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika confirmed that some of those on board were members of her communications team, noting that the aircraft which had left Jarika Hotel had been flying low before it crashed.
The chopper was to later ferry journalists from the hotel to a Jubilee campaign rally in Narok.
National Disaster Management Unit Deputy Director Pius Masai said the team is in place facilitating the search and rescue operations alongside the Kenya Navy.
"It's suspected that the occupants, pilot and crew are still trapped inside. Multi-agency disaster management stakeholders are conducting search and rescue operations," Masai said.
"We appeal to members of the public to remain calm as well continue with operations," he added.
Several people have been killed in plane crashes in the country particularly in the same area in the past two years.
