Tourist Helicopter Crashes in Kenya, Killing All Seven People on Board
A tourist helicopter has crashed in northern Kenya, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot and six tourists.
The helicopter went down on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Samburu County, near Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination known for its wildlife and scenic landscape. The crash happened at about 9:13 a.m. local time.
According to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 and had departed from the Loisaba wildlife conservancy. It was travelling towards the Ewaso Nyiro River when it crashed in the remote area.
Authorities confirmed that there were seven people on board — one pilot and six passengers. Fredrick Kabunge, director of Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, confirmed that there were no survivors.
The helicopter was reportedly operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests of luxury safari company &Beyond. The company confirmed that an aircraft carrying its guests crashed near Mount Ololokwe and expressed sympathy to those affected by the tragedy.
Emergency teams, including the Kenya Red Cross and other agencies, were deployed to the crash site. The remote and rugged terrain reportedly made access to the location difficult.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Kenyan aviation authorities and other relevant agencies have launched an investigation to determine what led to the fatal accident.
The incident has shocked Kenya’s tourism sector, where helicopter flights are commonly used to transport visitors to remote wildlife reserves and scenic destinations.
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses and the identities and nationalities of all the victims are formally confirmed.
