Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was among 34 passengers and five crew members who survived a plane incident involving a Safarilink Aviation flight at Wilson Airport.
In a statement on March 20, Godfrey Osotsi commended the pilot for his remarkable skill and presence of mind in controlling the aircraft.
He recounted how the pilot steered it off the runway, causing it to stall and averting what he said could have been a “catastrophic fire”.
“I thank God for His protection after I came out safely from an aircraft accident at Wilson Airport this evening. I was among the 39 passengers on board the Safarilink flight, including three crew members and the pilot, when the plane crash-landed,” he said.
Godfrey Osotsi Survives Safarilink Plane Incident
However, Osotsi stated that it was deeply troubling that despite the pilot’s efforts to save lives, there were no immediate rescue operations from the airport management.
He added that no ambulance was on site and no emergency response team came to assist, criticizing the level of unpreparedness as unacceptable for an airport of such significance.
The incident comes shortly after he sought a statement in the Senate regarding safety concerns and deteriorating infrastructure at Wilson Airport.
Osotsi noted that the runway was flooded and the lighting system was malfunctioning.
Also Read: Passenger Plane Crash-Lands at Wilson Airport
He also raised concerns about flight safety, saying that due to these poor conditions, flights are often diverted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the evening, and questioned why this particular flight was not redirected.
Osotsi insisted that Wilson Airport must be closed and comprehensively upgraded to meet international safety standards before it is allowed to resume full operations.
He further stressed that the safety of Kenyans and all air passengers must never be compromised.
Also Read: Two Kenya Air Force Officers Killed in Plane Crash
Safarilink Issues Statement After Incident
On March 20, Safarilink confirmed that Flight 090, operated by ALS Limited on its behalf from Kisumu to Wilson Airport, was involved in a runway excursion upon landing at 8:55 PM.
The airline added that all 34 passengers and five crew members on board were safe, with no serious injuries reported.
Safarilink stated that emergency response teams quickly responded to the situation, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
The airline said that it had launched a full investigation in coordination with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
Support services are being provided to those affected, and further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
Safarilink expressed appreciation for the swift response of airport emergency teams and the cooperation of passengers and crew.
