Hell’s Gate gorge closed indefinitely as all 7 flash floods victims confirmed dead

The Ol-Jorowa gorge at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha has been closed down indefinitely following the death of seven people on Sunday.

In a statement issued Monday evening, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that all the seven victims — six Kenyans and one Indian national — had been confirmed dead, bringing to a halt a near 24-hour search and rescue mission.

“One body was recovered last evening, three overnight and three others this morning. This brings to seven the death toll from the tragic flash floods,” said KWS.

“The search and rescue operation has been called off this afternoon after bodies of all the missing tourists and their guide were accounted for.”

KWS blamed the tragedy on the ongoing rains in the area, hence, the need to close the gorge.

“Meanwhile, the gorge has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing rains in the region. However, other parts of the popular park remain open to the public,” said KWS.