By Editor
Tanzanian authorities have confirmed that no fewer than five people were killed in a helicopter crash that occurred on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
In a statement on Thursday, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) said the helicopter crashed near Barafu Camp on Wednesday.
Barafu Camp is one of the final stopover points for climbers heading to the summit. The crash occurred at an altitude of between 4,670 and 4,700 metres above sea level.
According to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), the victims included a Tanzanian tour guide, a Tanzanian doctor, a Zimbabwean pilot and two tourists from the Czech Republic.
Local media outlets, including Mwananchi newspaper and East Africa TV, quoted the Kilimanjaro regional police chief as saying the helicopter was on a medical evacuation mission. Reports said the aircraft was responding to an emergency involving a climber when it crashed.
Following the Mount Kilimanjaro helicopter crash, rescue and recovery operations were carried out, while investigations into the cause of the accident began. Aviation and park authorities have not yet released details on what caused the crash.
Mount Kilimanjaro rises to nearly 6,000 metres and attracts about 50,000 climbers each year.
Officials note that the mountain’s high altitude and changing weather conditions increase risks, especially during emergency rescue missions.
