By Dawan Africa - Admin
Kenya, 19 August 2026 - Several people are feared dead after a helicopter crashed near Kirish, at the foot of Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed on Wednesday.
KCAA stated that the accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4 with registration 5Y-GYM occured at 9:13am.
The aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses reported in the morning that they saw a large plume of smoke and a spreading fire at the scene shortly after the aircraft crashed.
Locals rushed to the scene as they alerted authorities.
"KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident," the Authority stated.
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KCAA further added that the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department was leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident.
The exact number of casualties was not immediately established, but KCAA extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic incident.
According to multiple local reports, the aircraft was based at Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan. The clients are said to have been booked through End Beyond Safaris.
Smoke and fire have been reported at the scene. Locals and rescue teams (including reports of Nkurei warriors and other responders) are moving toward the site. A second helicopter (Tropic Air) has been reported on location.
Details remain preliminary. No official confirmation of the number of people on board, their identities, or casualty status has been issued at this stage.