A helicopter carrying tourists has crashed in Kirish, near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya, killing all seven people on board.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 with registration number 5Y-GYM, was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred.
The crash happened at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirms that an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, has occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, 19 August 2026,” the agency said.
“The aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 0913 hrs local time.”
KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders following the crash.
The Air Accident Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The aviation authority also extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
According to a preliminary police report, seven tourists were on board the helicopter when it crashed.
“Their nationality is yet to be known,” the police said.
