Seven dead as tourist helicopter crashes near Kenya’s mount Ololokwe

Seven people, including six tourists and a pilot, have been killed after a helicopter crashed during a sightseeing flight in Samburu County, northern Kenya, on Wednesday.

The aircraft went down at about 9:13 a.m. local time after departing from the Loisaba Wildlife Reserve, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Fredrick Kabunge, Director of Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, confirmed that all seven people aboard the helicopter died in the crash.

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

The helicopter crashed near the foot of Mount Ololokwe, a prominent landmark in Samburu County. Images and footage from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site, while photographs released by the Kenya Red Cross later showed the wreckage engulfed in flames.

According to authorities, the passengers were tourists who had embarked on a scenic flight over the region when the aircraft crashed.

Rescue operation launched

Emergency response operations were immediately launched following the crash, with personnel from multiple agencies deployed to the scene.

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The Kenya Red Cross said its teams were involved in the emergency response as authorities worked to access the crash site and manage the aftermath.

The nationalities of the six tourists had not been established as of Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities also said the cause of the crash remained unknown.

The KCAA said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the events leading up to the helicopter’s descent and impact.

Mount Ololokwe tourism destination

Mount Ololokwe rises to approximately 2,000 metres above sea level and is considered a sacred site by the Samburu people.

The mountain is also a popular destination for hikers and tourists, while helicopter operators offer scenic flights over the surrounding landscape.

The crash has therefore raised concerns about aviation safety during tourist flights in the region, although investigators are yet to determine whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, human error or another factor contributed to the accident.

Officials cautioned against speculation while the formal investigation continues.

Another fatal helicopter crash

Wednesday’s accident comes only months after another fatal helicopter crash in western Kenya in March, which claimed six lives, including a serving member of parliament.

The latest incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of helicopter operations and aviation safety standards, particularly for flights conducted in remote and mountainous tourist destinations.

Investigators are expected to examine the helicopter’s maintenance records, flight history, weather conditions, pilot qualifications and other operational factors as they work to determine the cause of the crash.

Authorities are expected to release further details, including the identities and nationalities of the victims, as the investigation and recovery operations continue.