Ecuador intelligence chief and five Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash
Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife Stephany Hollihan among the seven people killed in the crash. Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan were among the seven people killed when the accident happened in Samburu county at approximately 09:13 (06:13 GMT) on Wednesday. The other five victims were Americans, a US State Department spokesperson said. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the helicopter was on a scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy in Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro, a river that flows along several national reserves. Samburu county is a popular tourist destination with many private wildlife conservancies and is renowned for its stunning landscape. Images from the scene show smoke at the wooded crash site on Mount Ololokwe, as members of the Kenya Red Cross approach the still-burning wreckage. Ecuador has not given details about the death of Sensi-Contugi, 44, who was named director general of the Strategic Intelligence Center in 2024. The president's office led tributes on behalf of the government to express sadness over the death of the intelligence chief.
Former President of Ecuador Guillermo Lasso mentioned he had died in the helicopter crash. Lady Lori Helicopters, which operated the the Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft, said it was "deeply saddened" by the accident. "Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident," a statement read. According to a memo seen by the BBC's US partner CBS News , external one of the Americans killed in the crash was NBCUniversal journalist Josรฉ Alberto Suรกrez. In the memo, NBCUniversal called Suรกrez "a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague. "Josรฉ was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many," the memo read. Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte was among the Americans killed in the crash, according to local and US media. Commenting on his death on X, US Rep Carlos Antonio Gimenez wrote: "Our prayers are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
May their memories be a blessing." The four other American victims have not yet been identified. Earlier reports had suggested seven people, six tourists and a pilot, were killed in the crash. In February, a helicopter crash in the Rift Valley county of Nandi killed six people, including a member of parliament. In 2024, the military chief, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, died after an army helicopter that was carrying 11 people crashed in the west of the country, with only two survivors. In June 2021 at least 10 soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed while landing near the capital, Nairobi. Mysterious elephant deaths in Kenya raise questions around pesticides The African elephant in the room: Is there such a thing as guilt-free safari? Go to BBCAfrica.com , external for more news from the African continent.
โก Effects Interpreter
๐World Economy
- โถMarkets around the world might take their cue from how this story unfolds.
- โถTrade and investment between countries could shift a little if things escalate.
๐๏ธLocal Economy
- โถEveryday costs in your town may drift as the wider economy reacts.
- โถSmall businesses nearby might tweak their prices in the weeks ahead.
๐ฆRates & Banks
- โถBorrowing costs could hold steady for now, but they can turn on fresh news.
- โถYour loan or mortgage rate is more likely to drift than to lurch here.
โค๏ธHealth
- โถCommunity wellbeing may dip a little while people wait for clarity.
- โถLocal health services could get busier depending on how things develop.
๐ทWealth
- โถAny hit to your money is more likely a ripple than a wave.
- โถInvestors often reshuffle their holdings when stories like this break.
๐ Housing
- โถHouse prices and rents are unlikely to shift the moment this news breaks.
- โถThe property market tends to move slowly, so expect any change to take time.