At least six tourists have died after a helicopter crashed near the iconic Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning.

The helicopter is said to have been carrying the tourists from a famous conservancy in Laikipia North when it went down in the area near Mount Ololokwe.

According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM. The accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time near Lolokwe Mountain.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, with local responders and authorities rushing to the scene to assess the situation and establish the extent of the casualties.

Rescue and recovery efforts are currently underway, even as authorities work to establish the identities of those on board and determine what may have caused the helicopter to crash.

Mount Ololokwe is one of Samburu County’s iconic landmarks and a popular destination for tourists visiting the region.

KCAA said it is coordinating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders in response to the accident.

The Air Accident Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The aviation authority has not released the identities of the victims or provided further details on what may have caused the aircraft to crash.

KCAA has also extended its condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic incident.