Two KDF pilots succumb to injuries after crash in Bar'goni, Lamu County

Lamu, Kenya: Two Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) pilots were killed when their chopper crash-landed inside Bar'goni military camp in Lamu County, after developing mechanical problems.

The pilots succumbed to their injuries as they received treatment at the local clinic after the accident on Monday evening, Department of Defence said Tuesday.

The soldiers were returning from an exploratory military survey of the area and as they were about to land at about 6.40pm on Monday, when their aircraft experienced difficulties.

KDF spokesperson Col David Obonyo confirmed that the difficulties caused the helicopter to crash and burst into flames.

The pilots sustained serious burns and succumbed to injuries later on, officials said.

Col Obonyo said the Hughes MD-500 Defender helicopter suffered technical hitches moments before it landed at the Bar'goni military camp.

"Unfortunately we lost the two gallant pilots who were on board," said Col Obonyo.

The military is involved in operations in the area. They use the base as an operational base for their mission in Somalia.

KDF have soldiers operating under Amisom in Somalia.