All seven people on board a Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter that crashed at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu county, Kenya, on August 19, 2026, have been confirmed dead. Police and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) issued formal statements confirming the fatalities, marking the first official acknowledgement of deaths from the incident.
Helicopter Crash Details and Aircraft Registration
The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM, went down at around 9:13 a.m. while on a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro, according to Tuko. The helicopter was destroyed by both the force of impact and a fire that broke out at the scene. Footage from the site shows scorched earth, blackened rocks, and burnt debris spread across the forested terrain surrounding the crash site.
Lolokwe Mountain, also known as Ol Lolokwe, is a flat-topped peak in the Samburu region and a well-known destination for visitors travelling to northern Kenya. The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Official Statements and Investigation Launch
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority issued a formal press statement through its Corporate Communication Department, confirming the crash and the deaths. It was the first official acknowledgement that the incident had resulted in fatalities. In its statement, KCAA extended its "deepest condolences to the families of the victims."
The Ministry of Roads and Transport's Air Accident Investigation Department has taken charge of determining what caused the crash. KCAA said it is actively coordinating with relevant agencies throughout the process.
Previous Reports and Context
Legit.ng earlier reported that a helicopter carrying six people came down at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu county, central Kenya, on Wednesday, August 19, with officials confirming no survivors. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department delivered the news to the BBC but said the identities of those on board had not yet been confirmed. Local media reports suggest the aircraft was transporting tourists at the time.
