A Kenyan military helicopter crashed in the west of the country, killing five soldiers inside on Thursday, a police source said, Paralel.Az reports citing Reuters.

Three other soldiers on the helicopter were injured and taken to hospital, the police source said, asking not to be named.

The helicopter came down in Elgeyo-Marakwet county, the president's spokesman said, without going into detail on any casualties

"President William Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces' helicopter crash this afternoon," Hussein Mohamed wrote on X.

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A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter on Thursday afternoon crashed and caught fire in Sindar area of Western Kenya, on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, Paralel.Az reports citing The EastAfrican.

According to the police, five occupants of the chopper have died while three have survived with injuries.

The three injured survivors have been airlifted to hospital.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident, adding that the ill-fated aircraft was among three choppers leaving Cheptulel area.

It was the first to take off before crash-landing minutes later.

According to the county police boss, KDF has cordoned off the scene of the crash.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has also said on social media that a statement would be issued soon.