Monday, May 12, 2014
MANDERA, Kenya, May 12 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and 11 others injured after a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Mandera County in northern Kenya, a government official confirmed on Monday.
Mandera County Police Commander Noah Mwavanda said the helicopter carrying 12 soldiers was heading to Garissa County from Elwak in Mandera County when it crashed in a residential area.
"We can confirm that one soldier - a pilot died and 11 others were seriously injured and are admitted at the Elwak hospital," said Mwivanda.
Military officials also confirmed the crash, saying rescue operations were underway.
"A Kenya Air Force transport aircraft has crash landed in Elwak today. First responders on ground working medical evacuation," KDF said in a brief statement.
Kenyan soldiers have increased their presence along the porous border with Somalia.
Senior government officials said other helicopters have been dispatched from Nairobi to the site of the accident to evacuate the injured.