Moshi: Five people were killed after a helicopter carrying out a medical rescue mission crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, officials said on Wednesday.
The helicopter went down at a high altitude between Barafu Camp and the Kibo summit while attempting to evacuate climbers who were facing health problems during their ascent of Africa’s highest peak. All five people on board died at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the victims included two foreign tourists from the Czech Republic, a Zimbabwean pilot, a Tanzanian medical doctor, and a Tanzanian mountain guide. The helicopter was reported to be an Airbus H125, a model commonly used for high altitude rescue operations.
The accident occurred in a remote and difficult terrain, making rescue and recovery efforts challenging. Mount Kilimanjaro rises to nearly 5,900 metres above sea level and attracts tens of thousands of climbers every year. Medical evacuations by helicopter are occasionally required due to altitude sickness and other emergencies.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Officials stated that factors such as weather conditions, altitude, and possible technical issues are being examined. No final conclusions have been announced so far.
Government authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the rescue team members who lost their lives while trying to save others. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the risks involved in aerial rescue operations in extreme mountain environments.
Mount Kilimanjaro remains open to climbers, but officials have urged tour operators and visitors to strictly follow safety guidelines as investigations continue.