Seven dead after tourist helicopter crashes in northern Kenya

Helicopter Crash on Mount Ololokwe Claims Seven Lives in Northern Kenya

Poinews.com – All seven occupants of a sightseeing helicopter were killed when the aircraft went down on the slopes of Mount Ololokwe in northern Kenya on Wednesday morning, local officials confirmed.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority reported the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time while the machine was en route between the Loisaba wildlife conservancy and the Ewaso Nyiro river. The aircraft involved was identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4.

No Survivors Among Seven Aboard

Fredrick Kabunge, who heads the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, spoke to AFP and confirmed the full complement aboard: one pilot and six passengers. He stated the helicopter had been carrying tourists on a scenic flight and that no one survived the impact.

“There were 7 people on board the helicopter, one pilot and six passengers.”

“The helicopter was transporting tourists for a scenic flight.”

Emergency Response Underway

The Kenya Red Cross took to X to announce that its emergency response units had reached the crash location in Samburu County and were coordinating with partner agencies to access the wreckage. Difficult terrain and a still-burning fire at the site were slowing recovery operations, the organization noted in a later Wednesday update.

“Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site.”

“An additional team has been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation.”

Social media video captured the aftermath, showing thick black smoke rising from the base of the mountain. Authorities have described the situation as developing, with further details expected as the investigation proceeds.