Five US tourists among seven killed in Kenya safari helicopter crash
International visitors were among those killed after a charter helicopter crashed while transporting safari guests in northern Kenya
Seven people, including five US citizens, have been killed after a helicopter carrying tourists crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 was travelling from Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area of Samburu County when it crashed at around 09:13 local time last week, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
All six passengers and the pilot were killed. The aircraft, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, had been conducting a charter flight carrying guests travelling with safari company &Beyond.
Among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, a dual US-Ecuadorian citizen. José Suárez, an executive with US Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo, was also reported to have died.
The US State Department confirmed that five US citizens were among the victims and said its embassy was working with Kenyan authorities and providing consular assistance.
Local safari operator Tropic Air Kenya deployed two helicopters to support search and rescue operations following the crash, which occurred in rugged terrain near Mount Ololokwe.
The KCAA said an investigation into the cause of the accident was underway.
The incident highlights the risks associated with travel to remote destinations, where tourists may rely on charter aviation to reach safari lodges and other areas with limited ground access.
Fatal incidents involving international travellers can also require coordination between local authorities, consular services, tour operators, insurers, and assistance providers over repatriation and support for victims' families.
Last week, a newlywed British couple and a Greek pilot died after a private helicopter crashed near the helipad on the Greek island of Sifnos.