Seven people have died after a helicopter crashed on Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County in a tragic aviation accident that occurred on Wednesday morning.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter registered as 5Y-GYM. The helicopter was reportedly flying from Loisaba towards Ewaso Nyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.
The Air Accident Investigation Department under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with KCAA working alongside other relevant government agencies and stakeholders in the response.
A subsequent police report indicated that the aircraft, popularly known as ‘Lady Lorry’, had been travelling from Soyian in Laikipia County towards Loisaba Conservancy before crashing on Mount Ololokwe.
All seven people on board died in the accident. They were identified as the pilot, Josh Outran, and six passengers, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez, the only woman among those on board.
Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed that heavy smoke was seen rising from the crash site as emergency response teams moved to the area following reports of the accident.
Witnesses also reported seeing thick black smoke and intense flames emerging from the crash site shortly after the helicopter went down.
Local residents raised the alarm immediately, prompting the deployment of security personnel and emergency medical teams to the scene.
Investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what may have caused the helicopter to go down.
The accident has raised renewed concerns over aviation safety as authorities work to establish the events leading to the loss of all seven lives.
