A tourist helicopter has crashed in Kenya’s northern Samburu County, killing everyone on board in a tragic accident near the popular Mount Ololokwe destination.
The helicopter went down at about 9:13 a.m. local time on Wednesday, shortly after departing from the Loisaba wildlife reserve. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that an aviation accident had occurred and said investigations into the incident were underway.
The aircraft crashed in the mountainous area around Mount Ololokwe, a well-known landmark and hiking destination in Samburu. The location is also popular with tourists, with helicopter operators offering aerial tours of the surrounding landscape.
An aviation source confirmed that there were no survivors. Local reports indicated that the helicopter was carrying seven people, although authorities had not immediately released the identities or nationalities of those on board.
Reports from the scene indicated that the helicopter burst into flames after the crash, with thick black smoke visible from the surrounding area.
The difficult terrain around the crash site presented a major challenge for emergency responders. The Kenya Red Cross said its emergency teams were participating in a multi-agency response as authorities worked to reach the location and carry out recovery operations.
The helicopter had reportedly been travelling from the Loisaba area toward Ewaso Ngiro when the accident occurred. Further details about the flight and the circumstances leading to the crash are expected to emerge as investigators examine the wreckage and other available evidence.
The cause of the accident has not yet been established. The Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the investigation, with aviation authorities expected to examine the aircraft, flight conditions and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
The accident has raised renewed concerns about aviation safety in Kenya’s tourist sector, where helicopters and small aircraft are frequently used to transport visitors to safari destinations and other remote attractions.
Authorities have expressed condolences to the victims and their families as recovery efforts and investigations continue
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