5 Killed In Mount Kilimanjaro Helicopter Crash During Medical Rescue In Tanzania

At least five people were killed after a helicopter crashed on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro on Wednesday. The accident took place near Barafu Camp, one of the final stops for climbers heading to the summit

of Africa’s highest mountain.

In a statement, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority said the helicopter crashed in a high-altitude area of the mountain. Local media later said the helicopter was on a medical rescue mission at the time.

Mwananchi newspaper and East Africa TV reported that the flight was meant to evacuate someone in need of medical help. Quoting Kilimanjaro regional police chief Simon Maigwa, the reports said those killed were a mountain guide, a doctor, the pilot, and two foreign tourists. The nationalities of the tourists were not revealed.

The crash reportedly took place at an altitude of between 4,670 and 4,700 metres above sea level, close to Barafu Camp. The area is a key point for climbers before their final ascent to the summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro rises to nearly 6,000 metres, or about 20,000 feet, and attracts climbers from around the world. Each year, around 50,000 tourists attempt to scale the iconic peak, making it one of Africa’s most popular adventure destinations.

Authorities have not yet released details on what caused the crash. An investigation is expected to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.