Helicopter crash in Kenya kills six tourists and pilot

A Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed into a steep gorge at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County early yesterday, killing six tourists and the pilot. The KCAA said the incident happened at approximately 09:13 local time (06:13 GMT). The aircraft was on a scenic flight from a conservancy in Loisaba to the Ewaso Nyiro river near the western border.

The accident investigators have confirmed the crash scene is still largely inaccessible, but drones are being used to map the wreckage and gather evidence. The KCAA added the aircraft was the model EC130 B4 and that the investigation involved the Transport Ministry and the Air Accident Investigations Department.

While the pilot's and the passengers' nationalities are not yet known, early accounts from the site show smoke rising from the wreck and emergency teams battling a dusty, arid environment. This tragedy comes at a time when Kenya’s aviation community is reviewing its safety record; notable recent incidents include the 2024 military helicopter crash that killed the chief of the army and the 2021 crash that claimed ten soldiers near Nairobi.

Tourism remains a vital industry in Samburu County, celebrated for its wildlife reserves and stunning landscapes. Safety concerns over the frequent use of helicopters for short scenic trips may prompt stricter regulatory oversight and improved pilot training in the future.