Fire Complicates Search and Recovery After Samburu Helicopter Crash

A helicopter registered 5Y-GYM crashed at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board. The incident occurred around 9:13 a.m. local time as the aircraft traveled from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4. A police report indicated the helicopter, known as Lady Lorry, had departed from Soyian in Laikipia before the crash.

Victims Identified

• Pilot: Josh Outran
• Passengers: Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, and Suian Suarez (the sole female passenger)

Fire and Terrain Hamper Rescue

Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi reported thick smoke rising from the crash site. The Kenya Red Cross, which deployed emergency responders immediately, noted that an active fire and challenging terrain have significantly slowed search and recovery operations.

To strengthen the response, an additional team was dispatched from Isiolo to assist those already on site. Meanwhile, Tropic Air contributed two helicopters to support the multi-agency rescue effort and pledged ongoing assistance.

Investigation Underway

The KCAA is coordinating with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Air Accident Investigation Department, which is leading inquiries into the crash circumstances.