Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha survives plane crash – three years after narrowly escaping when bus crushed car
OLYMPIC 800m champion David Rudisha has survived a plane crash in his native Kenya – three years after he was involved in a car accident.
The 33-year-old was one of six people on board the light aircraft when it suffered engine failure just minutes into its journey on Saturday.
The plane was forced to make an emergency landing when the engine stopped working.
It crash landed upside down after taking off from Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary, around 200km (124m) away from the capital, Nairobi.
Rudisha, who won Olympic gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, praised the “incredible” pilot for managing to keep the plane as stable as possible.
Rudisha was treated at hospital in the town of Makindu for minor injuries before being discharged.
Detailing his ordeal, he told Nation: “All was well close to seven or eight minutes into the flight when the engine of the plane suddenly went quiet.
“He [the pilot] saw some clear space where he tried to land the plane but one of its wings hit a tree as the plane started to spin before landing on the rocky field.
“We thank God we all came out alive with some soft tissue injuries that were treated before all were discharged save for one.
“It was a scary episode where you hold your heart in your hand as you pray to God. The pilot did an incredible job to keep the plane afloat and stable for long.”
One passenger, Kenya Masters Athletics chairman Stephen Ole Marai, was transferred to hospital in Nairobi for further treatment.
Marai said in a statement: “I had experienced some breathing difficulties after the accident but I am fine. All will be well since I am out of any grave danger… we thank God.”
Rudisha had been at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary for the Maasai Olympics, for which he is a patron.
The Big Life Foundation, who organised the event, confirmed an investigation into the crash will take place.
A statement read: “As is normal following any crash involving an aircraft, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority will investigate.
“Until they have completed their report, it is not appropriate to comment further.
“The best wishes of Big Life and all involved in the Maasai Olympics are with the injured passenger for a speedy recovery.”
Rudisha’s latest brush with danger comes three years after he crashed his car into a bus head-on when one of his tyres burst.
He shared pictures of his mangled vehicle at the time, having managed to walk away from the accident.
Rudisha wrote: “Thanking the Almighty God for the gift of life.
“Saturday night around 10.30hrs I survived a tragic road accident at Keroka on my way home to Kilgoris after a head-on collision with a bus plying Kisii Nairobi Route. I am fine with no injuries! Thank you for your prayer.”