Seven Dead as Tourist Helicopter Crashes in Kenya's Samburu County
Xinhua · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A helicopter crash on Mount Ololokwe in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday killed all seven people on board, including six tourists and a pilot. The aircraft, an Airbus EC130 B4 operated by charter firm Lady Lori, went down around 9:13 a.m. local time during a scenic flight from Loisaba Conservancy. Kenya aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with rescue teams responding to the remote crash site.
Key Points
- The Airbus EC130 B4 helicopter with registration 5Y-GYM crashed at Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain rising 2,000 metres above sea level
- Seven people perished: six tourists and one pilot; Fredrick Kabunge of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department confirmed no survivors
- The aircraft departed from Loisaba wildlife reserve in Laikipia County and was en route to Loisaba Conservancy when it crashed
- Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the crash and is coordinating with agencies; the Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the probe
- Kenya Red Cross and multi-agency teams are conducting response operations at the crash site, which was engulfed in flames
Why It Matters
This tragedy highlights the risks associated with Kenya's growing adventure tourism sector, particularly helicopter scenic flights over remote northern regions. The crash comes months after a separate helicopter accident in western Kenya killed six people including a member of parliament, raising questions about aviation safety standards in the country's tourism industry .
This tragedy highlights the risks associated with Kenya's growing adventure tourism sector, particularly helicopter scenic flights over remote northern regions. The crash comes months after a separate helicopter accident in western Kenya killed six people including a member of parliament, raising questions about aviation safety standards in the country's tourism industry .