Late MP Ng’eno, other Nandi helicopter crash victims suffered multiple injuries, severe burns- autopsy reveals
An autopsy conducted today at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi on the six victims of the fatal helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, has confirmed that all died from multiple traumatic injuries and severe burns sustained in the accident.
Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor said post-mortem examinations revealed extensive trauma affecting critical parts of the body, including the head, chest and spine, alongside varying degrees of burns.
“Upon examining the bodies, we observed multiple injuries ranging from head injuries, chest injuries to spinal injuries,” Dr Oduor said.
“There were also varying levels of burns, some of the victims were more severely burned than others.”
He confirmed that all six bodies were positively identified through forensic examinations, clearing the way for burial arrangements as investigations into the crash continue.
Those who perished in the tragedy include Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, Robert Kipkoech Keter, Amos Kimwetich Rotich, Nicholas Kosgei, Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, and the pilot, retired Colonel George Were.
The helicopter reportedly went down shortly after disappearing from radar at around 4:26pm, killing all six occupants on board.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the political and local community, particularly in Nandi County and Narok, where the late MP hailed from.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said a preliminary investigation report will be released within 30 days as authorities work to establish the cause of the crash.
Speaking on Sunday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he joined other leaders in receiving the bodies, Chirchir said the Aircraft Accident Investigations Department (AAID) had formally launched investigations into the incident.
“My ministry, through the Air Accident Investigations Department, has already commenced investigations to establish the cause of the crash,” he said.
Chirchir emphasised that the probe is being conducted in strict adherence to international aviation standards under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the globally recognised framework that guides aircraft accident investigations.
He added that the State of Manufacture and Design of the aircraft, as well as the relevant aviation authorities, have been formally notified in line with international requirements.
As families prepare for final rites, investigators are expected to analyse flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and witness accounts to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation as the probe progresses.
