Five US nationals, Ecuador intelligence chief among 7 killed in Kenya helicopter crash

A helicopter crash in Kenya's central region on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of seven individuals, including five American citizens and Ecuador's intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi. The aircraft crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County.

Authorities confirmed that all seven people on board the Eurocopter EC130 B4 perished in the incident. The helicopter was carrying guests from the luxury tour operator &Beyond. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.

Among the victims were Sensi-Contugi, the director general of Ecuador's intelligence agency, and his wife, Stephany Sensi. Telemundo executive Jose Suarez was also reported to be among those killed. Ecuador's presidential office extended condolences to Sensi-Contugi's family.

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Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, hampered by difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site.

The U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths of the five American citizens, stating that the U.S. Embassy is providing consular assistance. The Kenya Red Cross reported that search and recovery operations are underway, but access is difficult due to the terrain and an ongoing fire at the crash site.

Kenya's Transport Ministry has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. The helicopter was en route from the Loisaba wildlife conservancy to the Ewaso Ngiro River when the accident occurred.

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The US Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.