A tragic helicopter crash in Kenya has killed all seven people on board.
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The aircraft went down near Mount Ololokwe in the country's Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19.
The remote area is popular with tourists seeking wildlife experiences and scenic views of the surrounding Kenyan landscape.
Helicopter Crash Kills Seven in Kenya
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the crash occurred at around 9:13 a.m. local time, approximately 170 miles north of the capital, Nairobi.
The incident involved a Eurocopter EC120 B4.
The helicopter was traveling south from Loisaba, a wildlife conservancy, toward the Ewaso Nyiro River when it crashed.
Reports of smoke and fire emerged from the area following the incident, with the aircraft going down in a remote and difficult-to-reach location near the mountain.
Initial reports stated that seven people were on board the helicopter at the time.
Police later confirmed that all six passengers and the pilot had died.
Authorities identified the pilot as Josh Outran and the passengers as Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez.
Investigation Launched Into Fatal Kenya Crash
Luxury safari company &Beyond, which offers helicopter tours in Kenya, released a statement following the tragedy.
"We can confirm that on the morning of Aug. 19 2026, an aircraft registered as 5Y-GYM, carrying &Beyond guests, crashed near Kirish, close to Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya," the statement read.
"Out of respect for our guests and those involved in the incident, further information will be communicated in due course. Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected."
"The cause of the crash has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the relevant local authorities. We will share further information when it is available."
An Air Tropic rescue helicopter arrived at the scene following the crash, while the Kenya Red Cross announced its involvement in the multi-agency response effort.
Authorities have now launched an investigation to establish what caused the helicopter to go down.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport's Air Accident Investigation Department will lead the investigation as officials work to uncover further details surrounding the fatal crash.
