Several tourists have been killed after a helicopter crashed near the foot of Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning, prompting rescue and recovery operations at the scene.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the accident, identifying the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM.
According to KCAA, the helicopter was flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m.
“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident,” the authority said.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
KCAA also conveyed its condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.
Police reports indicate that seven people were on board the helicopter, including one woman. Some of the occupants are reported to have died at the scene, while rescue and recovery efforts continued.
The helicopter was operated by Lady Lorry Flight Company and was reportedly heading towards the summit of Mount Ololokwe before proceeding towards Ewasonyiro.
The cause of the crash remains unknown as investigators begin efforts to establish what happened before the aircraft went down.
Earlier, local security firm Armistice Security Consult International (ASCI) reported that the helicopter had crashed near Kirish, close to the mountain, which is also regarded as a site of cultural significance.
Witnesses reportedly saw smoke and flames rising from the crash site, prompting efforts to reach the area.
ASCI said preliminary information from local residents indicated that the helicopter was operating from Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan.
The clients were reportedly booked through End Beyond Safaris, while ASCI said the helicopter operates from the Loisaba Conservancy area.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of those killed in the crash.
Further details are expected as rescue operations continue and investigators work to determine the cause of the accident.
