This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Published on September 2, 2019, a devastating flash flood swept through Hell's Gate National Park, claiming the lives of six tourists, including a tour guide.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when seven local tourists were exploring the Ol-Jorowa gorge at Hell's Gate.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, a search and rescue operation is ongoing to account for one tourist who remains missing.
"Search and rescue operation for three missing tourists underway in Hells Gate National Park. Two more bodies were recovered overnight, bringing the total number of the dead from the tragic flash floods to four people," the Wildlife Service stated.
The Wildlife Service has also reached out to the next of kin of the victims to share details and plan the next course of action.
The Ol-Jorowa gorge at the Park has since been closed following the tragedy.
A similar incident was witnessed at Hell’s Gate in 2012, when seven members of a Nairobi church group drowned in flash floods at Ol-Jorowa gorge.
Since the last similar tragedy in 2012, the Kenya Wildlife Service has taken measures to prevent such incidents, including creating clearly marked emergency exits along the gorge and training tour guides to detect storm water flowing downstream.
