A tourist helicopter has crashed in northern Kenya, killing all seven people on board, including an Ecuadorian intelligence chief and an American journalist.
The helicopter went down at about 9:13am local time on Wednesday while travelling from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Six passengers and the pilot were on board. The authority said an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
Ecuadorian Intelligence Chief Among Victims
Ecuador’s Transport Minister Roberto Luque confirmed that Michele Sensi-Contugi, Ecuador’s intelligence chief, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were among those killed.
Sensi-Contugi, 42, had led Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center since 2024 and was considered a close associate of President Daniel Noboa.
US officials also confirmed that five American citizens were among the seven people killed.
NBCUniversal said American journalist Jose Alberto Suarez, who served as president and general manager of several Telemundo stations, was also among the victims.
The US State Department said its embassy in Kenya was working with local authorities and providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.
Crash Occurred Near Mount Ololokwe
The helicopter crashed in a rugged area near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination in Kenya.
The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, was operated by local company Lady Lori Helicopters on a charter flight carrying guests associated with safari company &Beyond.
The Kenya Red Cross and other emergency teams were involved in the recovery operation. Another safari operator, Tropic Air Kenya, sent two helicopters to assist with the response.
Three bodies reportedly remained trapped in the wreckage on Wednesday evening, with recovery efforts expected to continue after the fire at the crash site was brought under control.
Kenya has experienced several aviation accidents in recent years, including helicopter crashes involving military personnel, tourists and other passengers. Authorities are now investigating what caused the latest crash.
