Five American nationals and Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi were among seven people killed when a safari helicopter crashed in Kenya’s central region on Wednesday. The deaths were confirmed by Kenyan authorities and the US state department.
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The Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed at 9.13am near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County while travelling from the Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said.
Seven people, six passengers and the pilot, were on board. Samburu County police commander David Nkoroi later told reporters that all seven had died.
The KCAA said an investigation into the cause of the crash was underway. The helicopter was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests travelling with luxury tour company &Beyond.
Lady Lori Helicopters said the aircraft was operating a charter flight and that the cause of the crash had not yet been determined.
The US state department later confirmed that five of those killed were American citizens.
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“The US Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance,” a State Department spokesperson said, according to CNN.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss,” the spokesperson added.
Ecuador later confirmed that Sensi-Contugi, director general of the country’s National Intelligence Centre, was among the victims. Ecuador’s presidency said he had been visiting Kenya as a tourist with his wife, Stephany Hollihan, who also died in the crash.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, the government extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and close associates,” Ecuador’s presidency said in a statement posted on X.
Sensi-Contugi was described as a friend and close associate of Ecuadorian president Daniel Noboa. His wife was a US and Ecuadorian citizen, and the couple are survived by their two children, according to the report.
Among the American victims was José Suárez, 55, president and general manager of several Telemundo stations in Florida, according to a local Miami television station. NBCUniversal and Telemundo leadership said, “We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya.”
The crash occurred in a rugged area in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination. The Kenya Red Cross said recovery efforts were complicated by difficult terrain and a fire at the crash site.
“Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site,” it said.
“An additional team has been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation,” the Kenya Red Cross added.
Tropic Air Kenya said it had sent two helicopters to support search and rescue operations.
In February, six people, including a legislator, were killed in a helicopter crash in a hilly area of western Kenya, highlighting the risks associated with helicopter operations in the country. Kenya’s transport ministry is now investigating Wednesday’s crash.
