Several feared dead after aircraft crashes in Samburu
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Several feared dead after aircraft crashes in Samburu
Several people are feared dead following an aircraft accident in Samburu County.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the accident involved a Eurocopter EC130 84, registration SY-GYM, at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
“The aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 0913 hrs local time,” KCAA stated.
“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident,” the statement added.
Air accident investigation launched
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear as authorities begin investigations to establish what caused the aircraft to go down. KCAA said the Air Accident Investigation Department under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading investigations into the incident.
“KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident,” the authority stated.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the crash, including what happened during the aircraft’s flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro.
Details of occupants remain unclear
Authorities had not immediately released details on the number of people who were aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident. The number of fatalities and whether there were any survivors had also not been officially confirmed by KCAA by the time of publication.
Emergency teams and relevant agencies were coordinating their response following the crash at Lolokwe Mountain. The mountainous terrain is expected to present challenges to rescue and recovery teams responding to the incident.
KCAA has urged the public to await official information as investigations and the response operation continue.
KCAA sends condolences
The aviation authority expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. “The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following this tragic incident,” KCAA stated.
The latest incident is expected to draw attention to aviation safety and the risks involved in operating aircraft in mountainous areas. Investigators will now examine the aircraft, flight details and other available evidence as they seek to determine what caused the accident.
More information on the occupants, casualties and circumstances surrounding the crash is expected to be released as the investigation and response operation progress.
Reporting originally appeared via K24 Digital. Read the full source for additional context.