A helicopter crash in central Kenya has claimed the lives of seven people, including five American nationals, Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife.
The helicopter crashed on Wednesday morning near Mount Ololokwe, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Ecuadorian state media confirmed that Sensi-Contugi and his wife were among those killed, while José Suárez, an executive with Spanish-language television network Telemundo, was also reportedly among the victims.
The United States Department of State confirmed the deaths of five American citizens. A spokesperson said the US Embassy in Kenya was working closely with local authorities and providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss,” the spokesperson said.
Emergency response teams encountered difficult conditions at the crash site, with the Kenya Red Cross reporting that recovery efforts were being slowed by challenging terrain and an active fire.
An additional response team was dispatched from Isiolo to assist with the search and recovery operation.
Authorities said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 that had taken off from the Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy and was heading towards the Ewaso Ngiro River when it crashed.
Lady Lori Helicopters, the company operating the aircraft, said the passengers were guests connected to luxury safari operator &Beyond.
The company added that the cause of the crash was not immediately known.
Kenya’s Ministry of Transport has launched an investigation into the incident as emergency teams continue recovery efforts and authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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