New details have emerged about the helicopter that crashed at the foot of Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, putting the spotlight on the aircraft’s ownership and operations.
The helicopter, registration number 5Y-GYM, was owned by Lady Lori and was based at the Loisaba Conservancy. It was reportedly being used to transport tourists when it crashed in Kirish, near the iconic mountain.
The aircraft burst into flames after the crash, leaving much of its frame severely damaged. Five bodies were initially spotted at the scene, with reports indicating that the victims had suffered severe burns.
As recovery efforts continued, reports indicated that seven people were aboard the helicopter, including the pilot and six passengers. All seven were later reported to have died in the crash.
The reported victims were identified as pilot Josh Outran, Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vascanknez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez.
The crash has raised questions about what happened to the Lady Lori-operated aircraft moments before it went down. Authorities were expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the helicopter’s final movements and the cause of the crash.
Lady Lori is known for operating aviation services linked to safari tourism in Kenya, including flights serving remote luxury destinations such as Loisaba. The company’s aircraft are used to connect tourists with some of the country’s popular wildlife and conservation areas.
The incident has left families and the tourism industry mourning as officials continue with recovery and identification efforts.
Mt Ololokwe, a distinctive flat-topped mountain regarded as sacred by the Samburu community, is one of the region’s well-known tourist attractions. The crash has therefore drawn attention to the risks involved in operating aircraft in remote and mountainous parts of northern Kenya.