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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Disasters & Emergencies

Five Americans among seven killed in safari helicopter crash in Kenya

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Five American citizens were among seven people killed when a safari helicopter crashed in northern Kenya.
  • The victims included an executive from the Spanish-language network Telemundo and Ecuador's national intelligence director.
  • An investigation into the crash, which occurred during a flight from Loisaba Conservancy to Ewaso Nyiro, is underway.

Seven people, including five American citizens, died when a safari helicopter crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya on Wednesday morning. The victims were traveling from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu county when the Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft went down.

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

— State DepartmentThe U.S. State Department confirmed five American citizens were among the dead and offered condolences.

Among those killed were José Suárez, president and general manager of several Telemundo stations in Florida, and Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s national intelligence center. Sensi-Contugi was in Kenya with his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, who was a U.S. and Ecuadorian citizen and also died in the crash. They are survived by their two children.

The helicopter was owned by local company Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests with the travel company +Beyond. Tropic Air Kenya dispatched helicopters to assist in search and rescue operations. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed an investigation into the crash is underway.

We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya.

— NBC Universal and Telemundo leadershipNBC Universal and Telemundo leadership issued a statement mourning the death of José Suárez.

Helicopter crashes have become more frequent in Kenya, a country with a significant tourism industry that relies on domestic air carriers to reach remote destinations. In February, a legislator and five others died in a separate helicopter crash in western Kenya.

In this moment of deep sorrow, the government extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and close associates.

— Ecuadorian PresidencyThe Ecuadorian presidency expressed sorrow and condolences following the death of Michele Sensi-Contugi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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