Seven dead in Samburu helicopter crash, recovery efforts hampered by fire and terrain
A Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, crashed at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven people on board. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the accident, stating the aircraft went down at approximately 0913 hrs local time while traveling from Loisaba towards Ewasonyiro. A police report identified the helicopter, known as Lady Lorry, as having departed from Soyian-Laikipia. The deceased were identified as pilot Josh Outran, and passengers Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, and Suian Suarez. Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed thick smoke was visible from the crash site. The Kenya Red Cross, among the first responders, reported that difficult terrain and an active fire at the wreckage were significantly complicating access for search and recovery teams. An additional team was dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce personnel. Tropic Air, a Nairobi-based company, deployed two helicopters to support the emergency response. The KCAA is coordinating with relevant agencies, and the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department, is leading the investigation into the accident's circumstances.
