This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 4, 2020, a cargo plane operated by African Express crashed in Baidoa, Somalia, killing all six people on board, including two Kenyans.
The plane, registered as 5Y-AXO, was carrying medical supplies to aid in the fight against the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya has urged Somalia and international agencies to investigate the crash, which it describes as occurring under unclear circumstances.
"The government of Kenya urges the government of Somalia and international agencies to thoroughly and swiftly investigate the matter because it impacts humanitarian operations at a time of highest need," the ministry said in a statement.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the plane had been operating in Somalia since March 2, 2020, and had last been in contact with air traffic control at approximately 1620hrs.
However, Reuters reported that the plane may have been shot down, citing a witness who described the plane in flames and pieces of it scattered over a small area.
Al-Shabaab insurgents have a presence in the area of the plane crash, but have not commented on being involved in the incident.
