Fire deters responders undertaking search at chopper crash site where 7 died
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- A Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered 5Y-GYM crashed at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven people on board
- Kenya Red Cross deployed emergency responders while Tropic Air sent two helicopters to support the multi-agency rescue operation
- An active fire at the crash site and difficult terrain continued to slow down search and recovery teams on the ground
A helicopter crash at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County has claimed the lives of all seven occupants, with an active fire at the wreckage hampering ongoing search and recovery efforts.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the accident involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4 bearing registration 5Y-GYM. The aircraft went down at approximately 0913 hrs local time while travelling from Loisaba towards Ewasonyiro.
A subsequent police report identified the aircraft, known as Lady Lorry, as having departed from Soyian-Laikipia before the crash.
All 7 Occupants Dead
All seven people aboard the helicopter died. They were identified as pilot Josh Outran, and passengers Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, and Suian Suarez, the only woman among the group.
Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed on Wednesday morning that thick smoke was visible rising from the crash site as response teams moved to reach the scene.
Active Fire Slows Recovery Teams
The Kenya Red Cross, whose emergency responders were among the first agencies mobilised, warned that difficult terrain and an active fire at the site were significantly complicating access.
To bolster the operation, an additional team was dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce personnel already on the ground.
"Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site. An additional team has been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation. More updates to follow," Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Air charter and helicopter company Tropic Air, based in Nairobi, deployed two of its helicopters to support the emergency response.
The company pledged to continue providing support to teams working at the site.
The KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and stakeholders in the aftermath of the accident.
"The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident," the authority said in a statement.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.