Five American Tourists Among Seven Killed In Kenya Helicopter Crash During Sightseeing

Last Updated:August 20, 2026, 12:29 AM IST

The helicopter, carrying six tourists and a pilot, crashed after departing from the Loisaba wildlife reserve, killing everyone on board.

Rescue officials work at the site of a tourist helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya. (Reuters photo)

Five American tourists were among seven people killed when a helicopter crashed during a sightseeing flight in Kenya’s Samburu county on Wednesday, according to a US State Department spokesperson and Kenyan authorities.

The helicopter, carrying six tourists and a pilot, crashed after departing from the Loisaba wildlife reserve, killing everyone on board. The US State Department said five American citizens were among those who died and that the US Embassy in Kenya was in contact with local authorities.

Helicopter Crashes Near Mount Ololokwe

The crash occurred at around 9:13 am local time near Mount Ololokwe, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The aircraft was reportedly flying towards the Loisaba Conservancy when it went down.

“There were 7 people on board the helicopter, one pilot and six passengers,” Fredrick Kabunge, director of Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, told AFP, confirming that there were no survivors.

Luxury safari operator &Beyond confirmed that a helicopter carrying its guests had crashed near Mount Ololokwe. The company said local authorities were investigating the incident and that the cause of the crash had not yet been determined.

Images shared by the Kenya Red Cross showed the crash site in flames, while video footage showed black smoke rising near the foot of the mountain. A multi-agency response team was working to reach the site.

Mount Ololokwe, which rises to around 2,000 metres, is a prominent landmark and sacred site for the Samburu community. It is also a popular destination for tourists, with operators offering scenic helicopter flights over the area.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. The KCAA said efforts were under way to establish what caused the aircraft to go down.

(With inputs from agencies)

Key Questions Answered

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What caused the helicopter to crash near Mount Ololokwe?

The cause of the helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe has not yet been established. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

How can helicopter sightseeing tours be made safer?

Helicopter sightseeing tours can be made safer by implementing stricter safety regulations, ensuring passengers wear shoulder belts, providing complete weather information, and ensuring the use of float systems. Additionally, pilots should have sufficient experience, aircraft should be thoroughly inspected, and helipads should be approved in advance.

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