Helicopter carrying seven tourists goes down in Kenya

A helicopter carrying seven tourists crashed in Kenya’s Samburu County, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed.

The crash occurred near the settlement of Kirish, at the foot of Mount Ololokwe, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Kenya Times.

In a statement issued on August 19, the KCAA said the aircraft, registered as 5Y-GYM, was flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred.

Witnesses reported seeing a column of smoke and flames rising from the crash site. Local residents and emergency services are heading to the crash site, although the mountainous terrain is complicating the rescue operation.

Police have not yet disclosed the nationalities of those on board. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. According to the report, another helicopter has arrived at the scene to assist with the rescue operation.

By Jeyhun Aghazada