A tragic helicopter accident occurred on August 19, 2026, at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of all seven individuals aboard. The helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4 with the registration number 5Y-GYM, went down around 9:13 AM while on a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the crash in an official statement, marking the first acknowledgment of fatalities associated with the incident. In their communication, the KCAA expressed their "deepest condolences to the families of the victims" and stated that the Air Accident Investigation Department has initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

Reports indicate that the helicopter was completely destroyed upon impact, with additional damage caused by a fire that erupted at the crash site. Footage from the area reveals a scene of devastation, with scorched earth, blackened rocks, and debris scattered across the forested terrain.

Lolokwe Mountain, also known as Ol Lolokwe, is a prominent flat-topped peak in the Samburu region, popular among tourists visiting northern Kenya. Local media have suggested that the helicopter was transporting tourists at the time of the accident, although the identities of the victims have yet to be confirmed.

The KCAA is working closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the investigation into the crash, which has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident are expected as the inquiry progresses.