Seven die in tourist helicopter crash in northern Kenya

A tourist helicopter crashed in northern Kenya on 19 August, killing seven people including Ecuador's intelligence director.

By El Medio Oriente
August 26, 2026
A white and blue helicopter with registration number 5Y-BUF sits on arid terrain with rescue workers in red vests nearby, with a distinctive flat-topped rocky mountain visible in the background.
A tourist helicopter remains at the crash site in northern Kenya. The flight crashed on 19 August, resulting in seven deaths including that of Ecuador's intelligence director. (France 24 — Español)
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Seven people died on 19 August when a tourist aircraft crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya. Among the victims were Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of intelligence for Ecuador, and his wife.

Also killed were an executive from US television network Telemundo, four other US citizens and the aircraft's pilot. The accident occurred as the helicopter was flying over Mount Ololokwe, a well-known tourist destination in the region.

Seven die in tourist helicopter crash in northern Kenya | El Medio Oriente