Several Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers are feared dead and others seriously injured after a military helicopter crash landed at the Ol Tepesi area in Ngong, Kajiado County.
The Kenya Air Force Mi 171e helicopter, which has a capacity of 26, was on a training mission when it crashed with an unknown number of soldiers onboard.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Francis Ogolla said a number of soldiers had been rescued and airlifted to the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi while others are feared dead.
According to Maj-Gen Ogolla, the helicopter departed the Moi Airbase at 8.10 am and crashed at 8.30, bursting into flames.
“This was a very unfortunate incident that happened today at 8.30am… Our aircraft which was on a normal training mission involving several crew departed Moi airbase at 8.10am. As it was coming to land, we got information that it crashed. Some people have been rescued and taken to Nairobi for treatment. A few who were on board are feared dead but we are not sure of the exact number,” said the Air Force Commander.
He pointed out that aircraft was okay, adding that an investigative team had began a probe to establish what caused the helicopter to crash.
“Until we remove the wreckage and conclude with the site we will not be able to tell you how many have passed on. The aircraft was okay and therefore we have put up an investigative team to come on ground and find out what might have been the cause,” he said.
Rescue missions are underway.
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