Six Lost in Kenya Helicopter Crash Over Mount Ololokwe

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:07:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Eurocopter EC130 crashed on Mount Ololokwe, killing all six aboard including tourists, during a scenic flight over Kenya's wildlife reserve.

A Eurocopter EC130 crashed at 09:13 local time on Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all six occupants. Officials say the helicopter was on a tourist scenic flight. The tragedy adds to a string of Kenyan helicopter accidents, with previous crashes in 2024 and 2021 killing senior personnel. Investigation teams are coordinating to determine the cause. The Kenyan Red Cross reports the crash site is inaccessible but drones are assessing the area.

A Eurocopter EC130 crashed at 09:13 local time (06:13 GMT) on Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all six aboard. The aircraft was reportedly on a scenic tourist flight from the Losaiba wildlife conservancy to Ewaso Nyiro river.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident, while the Kenya Red Cross said the crash site is not yet accessible. Drones are being used to assess the scene.

Local media suggest the passengers were tourists, though identities have not been released. Investigations are underway by the transport ministry and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department.

Helicopter accidents are not uncommon in Kenya. In February 2026 a helicopter crashed in Nandi County, killing six, including a parliament member. In 2024 a military helicopter carrying 11 people crashed in the west, leaving only two survivors. Another crash in June 2021 near Nairobi killed ten soldiers.

The tragedy underscores the need for stricter aviation safety protocols over Kenya’s wildlife reserves.