11 killed in Tanzania plane crash

Arusha [Tanzania], November 16 (ANI): At least 11 people were killed after a plane crashed in Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania on Wednesday.

"We are deeply saddened to report that 11 peoples have died after a single plane accident this morning in northern Tanzania," The Coastal Aviation Company Management, the owner of the aircraft, said in a statement.

The Cessna Caravan plane, carrying a single pilot and ten passengers, was heading to the famous Serengeti National Park, a popular tourist destination when the incident took place.

The company said that the names of the passengers and crew were being withheld so their families could be informed.

The police has launched an investigation to establish the cause of accident, Anadolu news agency reported.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to everyone associated with this incident tonight. We are currently assessing the scene of the incident and will provide a further update when we have more information," Coastal Aviation Managing Director Julian Edmunds said in a statement.

"Obviously, we are in shock. This is devastating. I fly our planes regularly. I have the utmost faith in our crew and our equipment. On behalf of the entire team at Coastal, we will be doing everything we can to assist the pending investigation. Nothing is more important to us than passenger safety," she said. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI