A Eurocopter EC130 B4 tourist helicopter crashed in northern Kenya on Wednesday, killing all seven people on board, authorities confirmed. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) reported the accident occurred at 9:13 a.m. local time while the aircraft was en route from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro region in Samburu County. An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
The helicopter, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters on behalf of travel company &Beyond, was carrying six passengers and one pilot. The identities of those killed have not yet been released. Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi stated all seven individuals died in the incident, which occurred in a rugged area near Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination.
U.S. and Ecuadorian officials confirm fatalities
The U.S. State Department confirmed five Americans were among the victims, while Ecuador’s transport minister announced that the nation’s intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife were also killed. Additionally, José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of Telemundo 31 and two other Telemundo stations, was identified as a victim by NBCUniversal.
Rescue and recovery efforts underway
The Kenya Red Cross reported that the crash site in Samburu County remains inaccessible due to the terrain, though drones are being used to assess the area. Multi-agency search and recovery teams, including emergency response units, are coordinating efforts to retrieve the remains and investigate the scene. The KCAA stated it is working with the Air Accident Investigations Department and the transport ministry to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Background on helicopter safety in Kenya
Helicopter crashes are not uncommon in Kenya. In February 2025, a helicopter crash in Nandi County killed six people, including a member of parliament. In 2024, Kenya’s military chief, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, died in a helicopter crash that killed 11 people, with only two survivors. In June 2021, at least 10 soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed near Nairobi.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 model involved in Wednesday’s crash is a widely used aircraft for tourist and charter flights in the region. The KCAA has extended condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.