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🇺🇸 United States /Disasters & Emergencies

5 Americans Among 7 Killed in Kenya Tourist Helicopter Crash

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A helicopter carrying tourists on a safari crashed in northern Kenya, killing all seven people on board, including five Americans.
  • Among the victims were NBCUniversal journalist José Alberto Suárez and Ecuador's intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi.
  • An investigation into the crash, which occurred in a rugged area, is underway, with difficult terrain and an active fire hampering recovery efforts.

A tourist helicopter on a safari flight crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya, resulting in the deaths of all seven individuals on board. The State Department confirmed that five of the victims were American citizens.

The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance.

— State Department spokespersonConfirming U.S. involvement and support following the helicopter crash.

The U.S. Embassy is actively coordinating with local authorities and providing consular assistance to the families of those lost. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss," a State Department spokesperson stated.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority reported that the helicopter went down at 9:13 a.m. while en route from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County. The aircraft carried six passengers and a pilot. Local police commander David Nkoroi confirmed the fatalities but did not immediately release identities.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.

— State Department spokespersonExpressing sympathy for the victims of the crash.

Among the confirmed victims were José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of several Telemundo stations owned by NBCUniversal, and Ecuador's intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, along with his wife. NBCUniversal described Suárez as a "deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague."

José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many. He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people's lives.

— NBCUniversal memoDescribing the impact and character of the journalist killed in the crash.

The crash occurred in a rugged region near Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist spot. The helicopter, owned by Lady Lori Helicopters, was operating a charter flight for the travel company &Beyond. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing but are complicated by the difficult terrain and a fire at the crash site, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

Today Michele and Stephany left us too soon. Thinking of their family, especially their children and parents.

— Roberto LuqueEcuador's transport minister mourning the loss of his intelligence chief and his wife.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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