Double Tragedy Strikes Wajir County As Helicopters Crash While Ferrying Relief Efforts

Amidst the ongoing flood crisis in Wajir County, two aviation incidents have cast a dark shadow over emergency evacuation efforts, leaving residents reeling from the double tragedy.

The first incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m., when a helicopter carrying Arbajahan Ward MCA Abey Jimaale, Captain Kiroken, and James Ndirangu crashed during takeoff at Wajir International Airport. The helicopter, on a mission to evacuate students from flood-affected regions, met with an unfortunate end.

Initial reports from the scene indicated that Captain Kiroken and MCA Abey Jimaale sustained head injuries, while James Ndirangu suffered injuries to his shoulder and right hand. The trio was promptly rushed to Wajir County Referral Hospital for immediate medical attention.

However, the severity of their injuries necessitated a referral to Nairobi for further specialized treatment.

The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and local police officers descended upon the crash site to investigate the incident. They meticulously documented the scene before cordoning off the area for air accident investigators.

As the community grappled with the shock of the helicopter crash, another aviation tragedy struck the county later in the day. At approximately 5:00 p.m., a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plane engaged in transporting essential supplies, including food and medicine, to residents of Buna in Wajir North, crashed during takeoff. The incident unfolded before the eyes of concerned onlookers.

This unfortunate event marks the fourth KDF helicopter crash in Wajir County in 2023, raising grave concerns about safety protocols and airworthiness standards.

These aviation incidents have dealt a severe blow to the ongoing flood relief efforts in Wajir County, disrupting evacuation operations and leaving residents in a state of heightened anxiety. The authorities must swiftly investigate the causes of these tragedies and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.