Samburu County, Kenya (Running Africa) — Seven people have died after a helicopter crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Kenya’s Samburu County, according to aviation authorities, triggering an investigation into the cause of the fatal accident.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 went down at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time while conducting a scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy in Losaiba towards the Ewaso Nyiro River, which passes through several of Kenya’s renowned wildlife reserves.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those on board, although local media reports indicate the helicopter was carrying tourists.
Seven Killed in Samburu Helicopter Crash
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that seven people died in the crash near Mount Ololokwe, a prominent landmark in the country’s central-northern region.
Images circulating online showed smoke rising from the crash site within the wildlife-rich conservation area.
Details surrounding the moments before the aircraft went down remain limited, and authorities have not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash.
Officials are expected to release further information as investigators reach the site and identify those who were on board.
Helicopter Was Conducting Scenic Flight in Kenya
According to the KCAA, the aircraft was operating a scenic flight between Losaiba and the Ewaso Nyiro River when the accident occurred.
The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, wildlife conservancies and safari tourism, with chartered aircraft and helicopters used to transport visitors between remote destinations.
Local reports suggest tourists were among those aboard the aircraft, but officials have yet to confirm their identities or nationalities.
Kenya Red Cross Deploys Drones to Crash Site
Emergency operations have been complicated by the remote location and difficult terrain surrounding Mount Ololokwe.
The Kenya Red Cross said access to the crash site remained challenging, prompting emergency teams to deploy drones to assess conditions on the ground.
The technology is expected to help responders evaluate the area and support recovery operations where conventional access is difficult.
Authorities are continuing efforts to secure the crash site as investigators begin examining the wreckage.
Investigation Launched Into Cause of Kenya Helicopter Crash
Kenya’s Transport Ministry and Air Accident Investigation Department have launched an investigation into the accident.
Investigators will seek to determine what caused the Eurocopter EC130 B4 to go down, including examining the aircraft, flight information, weather conditions and other potential factors.
No preliminary cause has been announced.
The investigation will also be closely watched because the aircraft was reportedly operating in Kenya’s tourism sector, where aviation provides a critical connection between remote wildlife destinations.
Latest Fatal Helicopter Accident in Kenya
The Samburu tragedy follows several fatal helicopter accidents involving Kenya in recent years.
In February 2026, another helicopter crash killed six people, while a military helicopter accident in 2024 killed Kenya’s army chief, General Francis Ogolla, and several other military personnel.
The latest crash is expected to renew scrutiny of aviation safety as authorities work to establish what happened at Mount Ololokwe.
For now, the priority remains recovering the victims and confirming their identities, while investigators begin the process of determining the cause of an accident that has claimed seven lives in Samburu County.
