A rescue operation is underway in Samburu County after a helicopter crashed in a remote section of Mt Ololokwe on Wednesday morning, August 19, with several people feared dead.
The aircraft came down in a deep and difficult-to-reach area of the mountain in Kirish, prompting an immediate response from local residents and rescue teams.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the incident and identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM.
According to KCAA, the helicopter was travelling from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed at about 9:13am.
The authority said the Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department would lead investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A witness at the scene reported seeing the wreckage in a remote section of the mountain and appealed for urgent assistance to reach those on board.
“Right there, there is a helicopter that has fallen. It is quite deep and far, but do send urgent help so that people can be rescued,” the witness said.
Smoke and fire were reported at the crash site as residents and emergency teams attempted to access the difficult terrain.
An Air Tropic rescue helicopter was also reported to have arrived at the area as rescue personnel assessed the situation and worked to assist those affected.
A preliminary police report indicated that seven people six tourists and the pilot were aboard the helicopter when it went down.
However, authorities had not officially released the identities or confirmed the condition of those on board by the time of publication.
KCAA expressed condolences to the families of those affected as investigations and rescue efforts continued.
