Ecuador's intelligence chief and 5 US citizens killed in Kenya helicopter crash
A major aviation disaster in Kenya: five American citizens and the head of Ecuador's intelligence agency, Michele Sensi-Contugi, were killed in a helicopter crash in the center of the country. Among the victims are his wife, fashion designer Stephanie Sensi, and company director Jose Suarez. Rescue teams are operating in challenging mountainous terrain, and the Kenyan Ministry of Transport has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
Five American citizens and the head of Ecuador's intelligence agency were killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya, aviation authorities reported overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.
According to a statement by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, seven people were on board the helicopter when it crashed in the Ololokwe mountain area in the center of the country. The helicopter, owned by Lady Lori Helicopters, was transporting guests of the luxury tour agency &Beyond on a flight from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy towards the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Media outlets in Ecuador confirmed that among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of the country's intelligence agency, and his wife, fashion designer Stephanie Sensi. It was also reported that the company's director, Jose Suarez, perished in the incident. The Presidency of Ecuador issued an official statement of condolences to the Sensi-Contugi family. Simultaneously, a spokesperson for the United States Department of State confirmed the deaths of the five American citizens, stating that the embassy is in contact with local authorities and providing consular assistance.
On behalf of the Red Cross in Kenya, it was stated that search and rescue efforts are encountering significant difficulties due to the mountainous terrain and the fire that broke out at the crash site. Additional teams were dispatched from the Isiolo area to reinforce the rescue operation. The Ministry of Transport of Kenya has opened an official investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident, which remain unknown at this time.
