The Kenya Defence Forces has confirmed fatalities in the Thursday morning crash involving a military chopper at OlTepesi area in Ngong, Kajiado County.
The chopper crashed and burst into flames at around 9am.
In a statement, KDF Spokesperson Zippora Kioko said all the passengers onboard the KAF Helicopter Mi 171 E are accounted for and have been moved to safety.
The injured, Colonel Kioko said, were airlifted and are receiving treatment at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi.
“The entire KDF fraternity wishes them quick recovery,” she said.
“Regrettably, following the crash, we suffered fatalities.”
She noted that the process of communicating with the families to relay the information and KDF condolences is underway.
Update on Aircraft crash at the Ol Tepesi area. pic.twitter.com/kE3iMU2ciF
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) June 24, 2021
An investigation into the cause of the crash has also been launched.
“Aircraft accident investigators are also at the crash site to establish the cause of the accident. The entire KDF thanks the locals and all the first responders for their assistance during the rescue,” the statement adds.
Whereas the KDF Spokesperson didn’t mention the number of deaths confirmed, reports indicate that more than 10 people died in the Thursday morning incident.
VIDEO: KDF chopper on a training mission crash land in Ngong, Kajiado county. pic.twitter.com/CCkD1Bv5RI
— Macharia Wangui Prince (@PrinceWangui) June 24, 2021
Source: KahawaTungu