A helicopter operated by Lady Lori Helicopters crashed on Wednesday morning in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist area in Samburu County, Kenya. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority reported that the aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, was on a charter flight from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro region when it went down at 9:13 a.m.

Seven people were aboard the flight – six passengers and the pilot. The U.S. State Department confirmed that four of the passengers were American citizens and that they died in the crash. The agency said it is in contact with Kenyan authorities and is providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.

Local media indicated the helicopter was carrying guests of travel company &Beyond. The Kenya Red Cross and Tropic Air Kenya, a local safari operator, dispatched teams and additional helicopters to assist with search and rescue efforts. An extra response team from Isiolo was also sent to reinforce the operation.

Investigation and Ongoing Rescue

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority announced that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Rescue teams face challenging terrain and an active fire at the crash site, which is hampering access and recovery efforts.

Helicopter accidents have become more frequent in Kenya, a country whose tourism industry relies heavily on aerial transport to reach remote attractions such as Mount Ololokwe. In February, a separate crash in western Kenya claimed the lives of six people, including a legislator.

Authorities continue to search for the remaining passengers and the pilot, while U.S. officials extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the four Americans who lost their lives.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.