Ecuador Intelligence Boss Among Seven Killed in Samburu Chopper Crash

UPDATE:

An Ecuadorian intelligence chief and five Americans, including a Telemundo executive, were among the seven people killed in a helicopter crash in Samburu on August 19.

Authorities identified the Ecuadorian official as Michele Sensi Contugi, a 44-year-old dual Italian-Ecuadorian national who headed Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre in Quito.

The crash killed all seven people on board, including the five American nationals and the Ecuadorian official. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

Previously, Tropic Air Kenya clarified that the helicopter involved in the Samburu crash on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, was not one of its aircraft.

In a statement issued after the accident, the airline said it was “deeply saddened” by the morning’s helicopter crash in Samburu County and extended its condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragedy.

It added that it sent two of its helicopters to the crash site to assist with the emergency response.

“Following the accident, two Tropic Air helicopters were dispatched to the site to assist with the ongoing emergency response,” the company said.

However, the airline said it had received several enquiries and reports linking its aircraft to the crash and moved to correct the information.

“We would simply like to clarify that the aircraft involved was not a Tropic Air helicopter,” the statement said.

Tweet Used Tropic Air Picture

The clarification came after a tweet about the crash was posted alongside a picture of a Tropic Air helicopter.

“The Ololokwe mountain chopper crash is tragic. Complete crash, and all passengers probably perished!” the tweet read.

The writer went on to send condolences to those affected and criticised the government over what they described as repeated aircraft crashes.

“My condolences. I have repeatedly said that until the day the government takes seriously crash incidents, we will keep having a repetition. From military to civilian crashes!” the tweet stated.

Also Read: KCAA Confirms Six Tourists Dead After Helicopter Crash Near Mt. Ololokwe

KCAA Confirms Crash at Lolokwe Mountain

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday.

According to the authority, the aircraft was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 am local time.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed the death of six tourists following the helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Also Read: KCAA Releases Updated List of Approved Aviation Training Organizations in Kenya

KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident.

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

The aviation authority also extended its condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic incident.

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A helicopter has reportedly crashed near Kirish, close to Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County. PHOTO/ Courtesy.