Tragedy on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro as a helicopter crashes near Barafu Camp, killing five onboard, officials confirmed Thursday.
Five Dead in Deadly Kilimanjaro Helicopter Crash
The victims include Tanzanian guide Innocent Mbaga, 32-year-old doctor Jimmy Daniel, Zimbabwean pilot Constantine Mazonde, 42, and two Czech tourists, David Plos and Anna Plosova, both 30.
Helicopter Crashes During Medical Rescue Mission
The chopper was carrying out a medical evacuation as climbers descended from their six-day summit hike. Tanzania National Parks commissioner Musa Kuji said: “They were descending from the peak when the helicopter crashed near Barafu Camp in Kilimanjaro National Park.”
Investigation Underway, Embassies Informed
Tanzania’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched a full investigation following international safety protocols. Authorities are coordinating with foreign embassies to repatriate the victims’ remains.
Rare Tragedy on Africa’s Tallest Peak
Mount Kilimanjaro stands nearly 6,000 metres (20,000ft) tall and draws around 50,000 climbers each year. Fatal aircraft accidents are scarce; the last occurred in 2008, killing four. Kilimedair, the operator, provides speedy helicopter descents for climbers too exhausted for the usual two-day trek down.
So far, Kilimedair has remained silent on the fatal crash.
