BY MANUEL ODENY

A plane has veered off at Lichota airstrip in Migori town with the accident happening around noon.

Reports by onlookers said the plane was on the runaway when it veered off at the end and started billowing smoke.

A fire engine from Migori county government is already at the site alongside an ambulance..

Moses Ywera who hails from the area said the plane had difficulty in taking off.

“I was in my compound next to the airstrip when I saw the plane trying to take off from the runaway to the air,” Ywera said.

Ywera said the plane started losing direction with loud screeching sounds from the wheels.

“It lost control and stalled at the end of runaway,” he said.

He said attempts by locals to rush and help were thwarted as officials from the airstrip moved in to help.

“We stopped to help when the smoke eased and we saw people coming out safely, though they looked shaken,” he added.

The take off happened about 12:30pm according to the witness.

It has been established that the plane belongs to Z.Boskovic Air Charters with registration 5Y-ZBW.

The company in a statement said 10 passengers and one crew member who were in the plane during the incident escaped narrowly.

The company said they are working with relevant authorities to help in investigations over the incident.