Helicopter Crashes at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, Prompting Emergency Response

A helicopter has crashed at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, triggering an emergency response as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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

According to KCAA, the helicopter was travelling from Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident,” the authority said in a statement.

The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Thick Smoke Seen at Crash Site

Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed that thick smoke was seen rising from the crash site shortly after the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large plume of thick black smoke and intense flames rising from the area where the helicopter went down.

The incident prompted residents to raise the alarm, with regional security personnel and emergency medical teams subsequently deployed to the scene.

Casualties and Occupants Yet to Be Confirmed

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people who were aboard the helicopter or whether there were any survivors.

Police were also yet to establish the identities of the occupants as emergency teams continued responding to the scene.

KCAA expressed condolences to the families of those who may have been affected by the accident but said further details would be provided as they become available.

Investigators are expected to establish what led to the crash, while authorities continue efforts to secure the site and account for everyone who may have been on board.

This is a developing story. More details will be published as they are confirmed by authorities.