Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that a helicopter crash at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, claimed the lives of all seven people on board. The EC130 B4 helicopter, registration 5Y-GYM, went down at around 9:13 am local time while flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro. A photo of the aircraft before the fatal accident has emerged, shared by Kenyan public figure Ndungu Nyoro on Facebook.
Details of the Crash and Emergency Response
The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM, was on a charter flight for safari operator &Beyond when it came down near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. No survivors were found among the seven occupants. The KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant government agencies following the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Air Accident Investigation Department have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown.
Public Reaction and Condolences
News of the crash spread quickly on social media after Ndungu Nyoro shared the KCAA press statement on Facebook with the words: "Sad no one made it out alive." Nyoro also posted a photo of the helicopter before the incident. The post drew an outpouring of grief from Kenyans online. Cate Maleli wrote: "Condolences to their entire families." Shista Shish added: "May they rest in peace... condolences to their families." Ruth M. Kerubo also offered her sympathies, writing: "Sorry, condolences to the families."
Questions and Concerns Over Safety
Not everyone was satisfied with the information available. Alex Kogy questioned the limited details in the early reports, writing: "Insufficient report.... How many people were on board and who are they??" Francis Machila reflected on the dangers of helicopter travel: "My condolences. I know chances of boarding a helicopter are next to zero, but I fear helicopters. That thing has too many moving parts; hence, chances of a malfunction or pilot error are very high, and the bloody thing comes tumbling down from the sky." Josphat Mweu referenced earlier security warnings in his comment: "May all the seven tourists rest in peace, for this fatal incident, Riggy G should be named the official Opposition leader in Kenya, reason being that, sometimes back, he warned that tourists aren't safe at all in this country."
Ongoing Investigation and Confirmation
Lady Lori Helicopters, the owner of the aircraft, confirmed all seven people aboard its charter helicopter died near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. The KCAA has not yet released the number of people on board or the identities of those who perished. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with the Air Accident Investigation Department leading the probe.
