1 week ago
Seven Killed, Including Five Americans, in Kenya Safari Crash
A helicopter carrying tourists crashed in northern Kenya on Wednesday morning.
Seven people were on the helicopter, and everyone died.
Five of the victims were citizens of the United States.
The helicopter was flying between safari areas in Samburu County.
It crashed near Mount Ololokwe, a rugged area near popular tourist destinations.
One victim was José Alberto Suárez, a Telemundo executive.
Another was Michele Sensi-Contugi, Ecuador’s intelligence chief, who was traveling with his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez.
Rescue teams had difficulty reaching the site because of the rough land and a fire.
Officials are investigating what caused the crash, but no cause has been confirmed.
Seven people, including five United States citizens, died when a safari helicopter crashed in northern Kenya.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 went down at about 9:13 a.m. while traveling from Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area.
The aircraft carried six passengers and a pilot, and all seven people aboard died.
Reported victims included Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez, Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife Stephany Hollihan Vasconez.
Lady Lori Helicopters operated the charter flight; the crash’s cause remains unknown and an investigation is underway.
- Who
- Seven people, including five United States citizens, died; reported victims included José Alberto Suárez, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and Stephany Hollihan Vasconez.
- What
- A Eurocopter EC130 B4 safari helicopter carrying six passengers and a pilot crashed, killing everyone aboard.
- Where
- Near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, northern Kenya, while traveling from Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area.
- When
- Wednesday at approximately 9:13 a.m.
- Why
- The cause has not been determined; the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the aircraft, flight operations, and environmental conditions.
Key facts
- Deaths
- Seven people
- United States victims
- Five of those killed were United States citizens
- Aircraft
- Eurocopter EC130 B4
- Operator
- Lady Lori Helicopters
- Flight
- Charter flight carrying safari tourists and guests associated with &Beyond
- Route
- Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area
- Investigation
- Underway; authorities have not identified a definitive cause
Quotes
U.S. State Department
U.S. State Department spokesperson
“The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.”
NDTV
livemint.com
NBC Universal and Telemundo leadership
NBC Universal and Telemundo joint statement
“"We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya."”
NDTV
David Nkoroi
Samburu Police Commander
“"All seven people on board had died."”
NDTV
Sources
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