According to Reuters report on August 19th, a helicopter carrying tourists crashed in Sangbra County, northern Kenya on that day, resulting in the death of 7 people. The office of the Ecuadorian president confirmed that the head of Ecuador's intelligence agency also died in this accident.
The helicopter had a total of 1 pilot and 6 passengers, all of whom were killed. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said that among the victims were 5 American citizens. The U.S. Embassy is in contact with local authorities and providing consular assistance.
August 19th, Kenyan Red Cross rescue workers searched near the scene of the helicopter crash for survivors. Image provided by IC.
The Ecuadorian Presidential Office subsequently confirmed that Michele Seny-Cuntoji, the head of Ecuador's intelligence agency, was also killed in the accident. Seny-Cuntoji's wife held American citizenship, and preliminary police reports listed both as tourists.
The preliminary investigation report indicates that at the time of the incident, the helicopter was flying from Sioyan in Lkinyia County, central Kenya, towards the Loysoba Reserve in the north. The helicopter crashed during flight. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown, and the Kenyan aviation department has launched an investigation into the matter.
