Kenya: seven dead including 5 Americans in a tourist helicopter crash

A tragic accident has mourned the Kenyan tourism sector. A helicopter carrying seven people crashed on Wednesday in Samburu County while heading to the Loisaba reserve, a popular destination for safaris. All six passengers and the pilot on board lost their lives, according to local authorities. Among the victims are five Americans, confirmed the U.S. State Department.

The Ecuadorian presidency also announced the death of Michele Sensi-Contugi, head of the country’s intelligence services, and his wife Stephany Hollihan. Both also held American nationality and were in Kenya on a tourist trip.

Rescue efforts faced with difficult conditions

The exact circumstances of the crash remain to be determined. The luxury travel agency &Beyond, which organized the excursion, stated that an investigation would establish the causes of the accident. Search and recovery operations were complicated by the particularly rugged nature of the terrain as well as a fire that occurred at the crash site, according to the Kenyan Red Cross.

The U.S. embassy stated that it is in contact with local authorities to provide assistance to the families and nationals concerned.