- August 20, 2026
Ecuador Intel Chief, Five Americans Among Seven Killed In Kenya Safari Helicopter Crash
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The helicopter, carrying six tourists and a pilot, crashed after departing from the Loisaba wildlife reserve, killing everyone on board.
Rescue officials work at the site of a tourist helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya. (Reuters photo)
Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and five US citizens were among seven people killed when a tourist helicopter crashed during a safari flight in central Kenya on Wednesday, officials said.
The helicopter, carrying six passengers and a pilot, crashed at around 9:13am local time in Samburu County, north of Nairobi, after departing from the Loisaba wildlife reserve, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). There were no survivors.
Ecuador Intelligence Chief Among Victims
Ecuador’s Transport Minister Roberto Luque confirmed that Sensi-Contugi, 42, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were among those killed. Sensi-Contugi had headed Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre since 2024 and was a close associate of President Daniel Noboa.
The US State Department confirmed that five American citizens died in the crash. The US Embassy in Kenya is in contact with local authorities and is providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.
Crash Site Difficult To Reach
The helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the Samburu people and a popular tourist destination where scenic flights are offered.
Mount Ololokwe, which rises to around 2,000 metres, is a prominent landmark and sacred site for the Samburu community. It is also a popular destination for tourists, with operators offering scenic helicopter flights over the area.
The Kenya Red Cross said difficult terrain hampered rescue and recovery efforts. Images from the site showed flames and thick smoke rising from the crash area.
Luxury safari operator &Beyond confirmed that a helicopter carrying its guests had crashed near Mount Ololokwe. The company said local authorities were investigating the incident.
The cause of the crash has not been established. Kenyan aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the accident.
(With inputs from agencies)
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