Seven Tourists Perish in Kenya Helicopter Crash at Lolokwe Mountain

A tragic aviation incident unfolded in Kenya's Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as a tourist helicopter went down, resulting in the loss of all individuals on board. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the accident, stating that the Eurocopter EC130 B4, bearing registration number 5Y-GYM, crashed at Lolokwe Mountain. The ill-fated flight was en route from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.

According to a preliminary report released by police, seven tourists were travelling on the chopper when it crashed. Authorities have yet to ascertain the nationalities of the victims.

Following the devastating incident, the KCAA announced its collaboration with various government agencies and other relevant stakeholders. The Air Accident Investigation Department, operating under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, has taken the lead in probing the circumstances that led to the crash. In a statement, KCAA expressed profound condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones.