Kenya helicopter crash kills Ecuador intel chief, five US nationals

Ecuador’s intelligence chief and five American citizens died when a tourist helicopter crashed in Samburu county, Kenya, on Wednesday, killing all seven people on board, according to a Vanguard report citing AFP.

The crash occurred at 9:13am local time near Mount Ololokwe after the aircraft departed Loisaba wildlife reserve. Ecuador’s Transport Minister confirmed intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, 42, and his wife were among the dead. The US State Department confirmed five American citizens died and said the embassy was providing consular assistance. Kenyan aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.