Six tourists and a pilot were killed when a Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed at Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya earlier this week, according to Kenya Civil Aviation Authority officials.
The flight was a scenic tour starting from Loisaba wildlife conservancy and heading toward the Ewaso Nyiro river, a popular route in the region. The helicopter went down at approximately 09:13 local time (06:13 GMT) in Samburu County, an area known for its stunning landscapes and private wildlife reserves.
Initial reports indicate that the accident occurred during the descent phase, although the exact cause remains to be determined. The Kenya Red Cross has said the crash area is not yet accessible, but they are deploying drones to assess the damage.
Investigations are being led by the Transport Ministry and the Air Accident Investigation Department, which is coordinating with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The helicopter model involved was confirmed to be an EC130 B4.
Helicopter accidents are not uncommon in Kenya. In 2024, a military chief died when an army helicopter carrying 11 people crashed in western Kenya, leaving only two survivors. In June 2021, a helicopter crash near Nairobi resulted in the death of at least ten soldiers.
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