Ecuador's intelligence chief among 7 killed in Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash

Michele Sensi-Contugi, the 44 year old Director General of Ecuador’s Strategic Intelligence Center (CIES) and a key ally of President Daniel Noboa, perished when a charter flight went down near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe. 

The Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters for a luxury safari itinerary, crashed and immediately caught fire shortly after departing the Suyian Conservancy.

The tragic flight also claimed the life of Sensi-Contugi's wife, Stephany Vásconez. 

Diplomatic officials noted that both Sensi-Contugi and his wife held dual Ecuadorian and Italian citizenship.

Four international passengers from the United States were also killed in the disaster. The U.S. State Department confirmed their identities as Roger Duarte, a prominent Miami based food entrepreneur, Adam Navaty, Henry Parra, and Suian Suarez. 

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Josh Outram, a respected Kenyan aviator and the founder of Africa Heli Adventures, who also died at the scene.

Due to the remote and treacherous nature of the landscape, emergency responders utilized drones to navigate the area and locate the burning wreckage. 

Kenya’s Air Accident Investigation Department has launched an immediate inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash, while diplomatic channels across Kenya, Ecuador, Italy, and the United States begin coordinating the repatriation of the victims. Though officials point to a possible technical or pilot error as the preliminary cause of the crash.