Man dies climbing Mount Kenya

A view of Mount Kenya. A middle-aged man who was among 27 hikers has died climbing while Mount Kenya April 6, 2012. FILE

A man who was among 27 hikers has died while climbing Mount Kenya.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the 29-year-old whose name was not released immediately died late Thursday after falling ill.

He was part of a hiking party from Nairobi which entered Mt Kenya National Park on Sunday and was due to leave Friday.

“The deceased fell ill while hiking at Point Lenana of Mt Kenya. He complained of headache, chest pains and difficulty in breathing. He, however, managed to climb down to Mackinder's Camp,” a statement from KWS said.

An alert was sent to the KWS mountain rescue team who responded immediately.

A helicopter from a private operator, Lady Lori (K) Ltd was dispatched and but due to adverse weather conditions it could not fly up the mountain.

An ambulance with 10 rescuers was dispatched.

“With the helicopter unable to go up the mountain, KWS rangers carried the patient for six hours down. They were joined by a paramedic team from Red Cross emergency unit led by Hashi Mohammed from Nyeri,” KWS said.

“Unfortunately, the patient passed on while being evacuated down the Naromoru route just a few moments before reaching the waiting ambulance. The death was confirmed by the Red Cross medic on the ground.”

Police have been informed of the fatal incident and the body was removed to Outspan mortuary in Nyeri .