Samburu chopper crash: Search for seven victims suspended

Update (10pm): Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Holihan, among the seven killed in the crash.

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The search for seven people killed after a helicopter crashed into Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County was suspended Wednesday evening, with three bodies still trapped inside the burning wreckage.

Recovery teams spent six hours navigating the steep and rocky terrain before managing to retrieve four bodies from the crash site. Efforts to reach the remaining victims were hampered by fierce flames that continued to burn around the wreckage into Wednesday evening.

The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registration 5Y-GYM, was conducting a flight from Soiyan in Laikipia County to Ewasonyiro when it crashed at 9.13am.

The Kenya Red Cross said on Wednesday that teams were still working to reach and search the crash site at the foot of Mt Ololokwe, while an additional team had been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation.

"Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site," the Kenya Red Cross said.

Samburu Police Commander David Nkoroi said the operation would resume on Thursday morning.

"We have suspended the recovery operation because three bodies are still trapped in the wreckage. They were hindered by the fierce fire which is still burning at the scene," Mr Nkoroi said.

All passengers dead

All seven people aboard the aircraft — the pilot and six tourists — died after the helicopter crashed while attempting to land at the popular tourist destination, police said. A police report seen by the Nation identified the victims; however, Mr Nkoroi could not immediately confirm the nationalities of those who died.

The aircraft had flown the tourists from Soiyan in Laikipia to Mt Ololokwe, a rocky hill known for its sweeping views of the Samburu landscape and spectacular sunsets.

Mr Nkoroi said the aircraft crashed and caught fire on impact, killing everyone on board.

"We have so far recovered some personal items, and efforts are ongoing to recover the victims' remains," he said.

The aircraft, operated by chartered helicopter company Lady Lori, crashed as it was apparently attempting to land on the summit — a spot that has become a favourite destination for tourists seeking breakfast with a view or a sunset experience.

"The Ministry of Roads and Transport's Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident," the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said.

For local tour operator Diba Ngera, one of the first people to reach the scene, the crash exposed the dangers posed by landing at the summit, where the terrain is difficult and winds can be unpredictable.

Mr Ngera said pieces of the helicopter were scattered over a wide area around the crash site, underscoring the force of the impact.

"Tourists frequent Mt Ololokwe to enjoy breakfast at its peak. Helicopters also bring tourists here to watch the sunset. The pilot might have been trying to land when the aircraft crashed," he said.

He said the summit often experiences strong winds and that the local community had previously raised concerns about the risks associated with aircraft landing there.

"Though there has never been an accident at the hill, we had seen the danger and made warning signs. The community has also prepared an airstrip, but tourists love landing at the peak," Mr Ngera said.