All seven people on a helicopter, which crashed at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, are dead.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed that the accident involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4, 5Y-GYM. 

The plane, which was from Loisaba and was en route to Ewasonyiro at the time of the accident, was taken down at about 0913 hrs local time, said KCAA.

“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident,” said the Authority. 

A later police report stated the light aircraft (called Lady Lorry) was in flight between Soyian-Laikipia and Loisaba Conservancy when it crashed.

All 7 occupants, named Josh Outran, the pilot, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez ( female), died.

Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed on Wednesday morning that the scene was enveloped in thick smoke and the police later responded to the area in an emergency.

Shortly after the aircraft crashed, a large cloud of thick black smoke and intense flames were observed emanating from the scene, according to witnesses at the scene.

Residents immediately sounded the alarm, and regional security forces and medical groups responded quickly.