Seven people, including a pilot and six tourists, were killed after a helicopter crashed near the foothills of Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning.
The aircraft went down at about 9:13am in the rugged terrain of the popular tourist destination, with all seven occupants confirmed dead. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4.
The victims were identified as pilot Josh Outram and six passengers — Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez. Suarez was the only woman among the seven people aboard the aircraft.
The helicopter was operating a charter flight carrying tourists in northern Kenya when it crashed in the remote area around Mt Ololokwe. Reports indicate the flight was connected to safari operations in the region.
Police and emergency teams rushed to the scene after thick smoke was spotted rising from the crash site. However, the difficult terrain and fire at the scene complicated recovery efforts.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s tourism and aviation sectors, with the victims reported to have been on a safari trip in the country’s renowned northern tourism circuit.
Among those reported killed were prominent foreign nationals, including Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, as well as American tourists.
The United States State Department confirmed that five of those who died were American citizens and said the US Embassy was providing consular assistance to their families.
The helicopter was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests associated with safari company &Beyond. The operator said it was cooperating with authorities as investigations into the accident continued.
The Kenya Air Accident Investigation Department has launched investigations to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
Authorities are yet to disclose whether the helicopter experienced a technical problem, adverse weather conditions or another challenge before going down.
Mt Ololokwe, located in Samburu County, is one of northern Kenya’s notable tourist attractions, drawing visitors for its dramatic landscape, wildlife and scenic wilderness experiences.
The accident has renewed attention on aviation safety in Kenya’s tourism sector, where helicopters and light aircraft are frequently used to transport visitors to remote conservancies and safari destinations.
As investigators begin piecing together the circumstances surrounding the crash, families and friends of the seven victims are left mourning a tragedy that claimed seven lives in one of Kenya’s most scenic wilderness areas.
The authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation and recovery operations progress.