4 Americans die in helicopter crash in Kenya, State Department confirms
Seven people were aboard the helicopter, officials said.
Four Americans died in a helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya, on Wednesday, a State Department spokesperson confirmed.
"The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance," the spokesperson said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss."
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said that seven people were aboard a helicopter that crashed near Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County, in northern Kenya.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 was flying from Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro with "7 souls on board" when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time, according to the KCAA.
The authority extended its "deepest condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic accident."
The Kenya Red Cross said in a social media post that a multi-agency "search and recovery" operation was underway, although efforts were being hampered by difficult terrain and an active fire at the crash site.
Luxury travel and tour agency &Beyond confirmed that a helicopter carrying its guests had crashed near Mount Ololokwe.
In a statement, the company expressed its "deepest sympathies with all those affected."
"The cause of the crash has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the relevant local authorities," &Beyond said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
