Seven killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Seven people have died after a helicopter carrying tourists crashed near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed.

KCAA said the Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at about 9:13 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. All seven occupants on board died in the crash.

The victims were identified as pilot Josh Outran and passengers Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez, Kenya Times reports.

Earlier preliminary information from police had indicated that seven tourists were aboard the aircraft, although their nationalities had not initially been established.

KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant Government agencies and other stakeholders following the accident.

The Air Accident Investigation Department under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The authority also expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Local reports indicated that the helicopter had been based at Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan before the flight.

The passengers were reportedly booked through End Beyond Safaris. Witnesses said the aircraft crashed in a deep and difficult-to-access section of the mountain, complicating rescue efforts.

Videos from the scene showed smoke and fire following the crash, while local residents, including Nkurei warriors, and rescue teams were reported to have moved towards the site.

One witness appealed for urgent assistance, saying the wreckage was located in a remote and difficult-to-reach area. Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations into the fatal accident continue.

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