Seven people were involved in a fatal helicopter crash near Kirish, close to Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, on Wednesday morning.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed the aircraft accident, saying it involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM.
“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident,” said the Authority.
A subsequent police report confirmed that the light aircraft, known as Lady Lorry, was flying from Soyian-Laikipia to Loisaba Conservancy before crashing.
All seven occupants, named Josh Outran, the pilot, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez ( female) died.
Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed that thick smoke was seen rising from the scene as response teams later made emergency responses.
He said all occupants had died in the crash. Experts were expected at the scene to commence investigations.
Images from the scene showed the chopper burnt down and the bodies of the victims trapped.
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, a large plume of thick black smoke and intense flames could be seen rising from the crash site shortly after the aircraft went down.
Residents immediately raised the alarm, prompting a swift deployment of regional security forces and emergency medical teams.
The helicopter had seven people including six tourists on board when it went down in the remote area.
Police said rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site following reports of smoke and fire from the wreckage. No one was rescued.
Multiple local reports indicate that the aircraft was based at Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan.
The tourists are said to have been booked through End Beyond Safaris, although these details had not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Local residents raised the alarm shortly after the crash, prompting the deployment of security officers, emergency medical teams and other responders to the area.
The rugged terrain around Mt Ololokwe complicated the rescue operations, with responders working to reach the crash site and establish the condition of those aboard.
This is the latest chopper crash to happen amid concerns about their general safety.
