Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso was among tourists who escaped death when their private jet was involved in a mishap. The luxury jet hit a wall in Malindi Kenya Airport terminal shortly before take-off as the entourage was departing for Madrid, Spain. Alonso's wife, Raquel Rosarion, was also aboard the aircraft. The star enjoyed Kenya safari holiday break at the luxurious Lion in the Sun beach hotel owned by Renault team boss, Italian, Flavio Briatore. Confirming the Sunday night incident, Malindi Airport Deputy Manager, Ali Farah, said the jet's wing hit the wall. No one was injured in the incident.

The damaged plane is still at the parking bay awaiting technicians' evaluation. Alonso and his party later departed for Spain aboard Briatore's jet. Reports by the African safaris & adventures Mombassa office, Mr. Alonso downplayed the accident talk. The Renault driver insisted the accident was not as serious as reported. "It seems the plane took a blow while they were parking it," He added. After his maiden track triumph at 24, in 2005, Alonso defended his title with Renault, denying seven-time champion, Michael Schumacher, a farewell title on his last season. He moved to McLaren in the 2007 season where his campaign was overshadowed by the then rookie teammate, Lewis Hamilton. He returned to Renault where he came fifth in the driver's championship with 61 points and won the both the Singapore and Japanese Grand Prix

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