Helicopter Crash on Mount Kilimanjaro Claims Five Lives During Medical Rescue Mission

Dar es Salaam – A helicopter accident occurred on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of five people, according to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. The aircraft was reportedly engaged in a medical rescue operation at the time of the crash.

The victims identified include a Tanzanian doctor and a mountain guide, the Zimbabwean pilot, and two tourists from the Czech Republic, as confirmed by Tanzania National Parks in an official statement.

The crash site was located near Barafu Camp, at an altitude between 4,670 and 4,700 meters on Africa’s highest peak, which stands close to 6,000 meters (approximately 20,000 feet) above sea level.

Local media outlets, referencing the Kilimanjaro regional police chief, reported that the helicopter was on a medical evacuation mission when the accident occurred.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular destination, attracting around 50,000 climbers each year. The incident underscores the risks faced during high-altitude rescue operations on the mountain.