Helicopter Crashes at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu, Seven Feared Dead

A helicopter crashed at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning, with several people feared dead after the aircraft went down in a remote and rugged area of the mountain.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM. It was travelling from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed at about 9.13am.

Smoke and flames were seen rising from the wreckage, while the difficult terrain has complicated efforts to reach the site. Witnesses described the crash location as deep and difficult to access and called for urgent assistance.

Rescue teams, including an Air Tropic helicopter, were dispatched to the area. However, access to the crash site remains challenging because of the rugged terrain.

Preliminary police reports indicate that six tourists and a pilot were on board. Their identities and conditions have not been officially confirmed.

KCAA expressed condolences to the families of those affected. The Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations into the cause of the crash.

Mt Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabache, is a prominent tourist attraction in Samburu County. The mountain is known for its distinctive flat-topped profile and views across the surrounding landscape and is visited by tourists, photographers and filmmakers.

The crash comes as Kenya’s aviation sector continues to operate flights to remote tourist destinations, where difficult terrain can present challenges for navigation, rescue and emergency response.

Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing as authorities work to establish the circumstances of the accident and confirm the fate of those on board.