NAIROBI, Kenya — Six people who died in Saturday’s helicopter crash in Nandi County were severely burnt and disfigured, making identification difficult, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
Addressing residents in Eldoret on Saturday night, MTRH CEO Philip Kirwa confirmed that the hospital had received the remains retrieved from the crash site in Mosop, Nandi Hills.
“This evening, we have received the remains of six bodies retrieved from the crash site in Nandi,” Kirwa said.
“From our observation and analysis of the bodies, we kindly ask you to bear with us. At the moment, the condition of the remains is severely compromised.”
Bodies Too Damaged for Viewing
Kirwa said the extent of the damage made it impossible to allow families or members of the public to view the bodies at this stage.
“We cannot allow anyone to view them because they were badly damaged and burnt as a result of the crash. It is difficult to identify who is who at this stage due to the extent of the damage,” he added.
He urged families to remain patient as forensic experts work to prepare the remains for formal identification procedures.
“We therefore urge you to be patient as we prepare the bodies into a state that can be viewed and formally identified,” Kirwa said.
Under Kenyan law and international aviation standards, identification in aviation accidents often involves forensic pathology, DNA sampling, and collaboration with next of kin before official confirmation is issued.
Aircraft Details and Investigation
The victims died after an Eurocopter AS350 helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed at Kabiet Sub-location in the Mosop area of Nandi Hills at around 4.30 pm. The aircraft was reportedly en route from Endebes to Mosoriot.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has since launched investigations into the accident.
In a statement, Director General Emile Arao said confirmation of casualties and identities would be communicated by the relevant authorities once the next of kin have been informed.
Investigations are being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department in line with the Civil Aviation Act and international aviation safety protocols to determine the cause of the crash.
Nation in Mourning
Among those reported killed was Johanna Ngeno, whose death was formally communicated to the National Assembly of Kenya by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the lawmaker, describing him as a progressive and devoted servant of the people.
As investigations continue, families await the completion of identification procedures at MTRH, with authorities expected to release further details once forensic verification and official notifications are complete.
