The Kenya Defence Forces have announced that a number of its officers have lost their lives in a plane crash that occurred on Thursday morning in Kajiado.
They, however, did not mention the exact number of deaths.
The Defence Forces have embarked on the process of communicating to the families of the departed souls about their kins' demise.
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"Regrettably, following the crash, we suffered fatalities. The process of communicating with the families to relay the information and KDF condolences are underway," Colonel Zipporah Kioko, who is in charge of public affairs and KDF spokesperson said.
However, according to Kajiado West Deputy County Commissioner Moranga Morekwa, 10 officers were confirmed dead at the scene of the accident.
"So far the information I have gathered from the ground is that; 10 officers are dead. The other 13 have been rushed to hospital for medication," he said.
According to Colonel Kioko, all passengers who were onboard the KAF Helicopter Mi 171 E have been accounted for and moved to safety.
"The injured were airlifted and are at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital, Nairobi. The entire KDF fraternity wishes them quick recovery," Colonel Kioko added in the KDF statement.
Earlier on, KDF had said the chopper was on a training mission when the accident occurred.
“Today at around 0900hrs, a Mi 171e Air Force Helicopter, on a training mission crash-landed at the Ol Tepesi area in Ngong, Kajiado County. Rescue missions are underway,” KDF's statement read.
A viral video from the scene of the accident showed a huge smoke renting the air at the scene of the accident.
Investigations on the cause of the accident are underway.
