Rescue mission helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro, killing all 5 on board

Five people have died after a helicopter crashed on Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tragedy struck on Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, as a helicopter crash claimed the lives of five individuals, including two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide, and the pilot.

The fatal incident occurred during a rescue mission to evacuate patients on the mountain, along a popular climbing route. The helicopter went down between the Barafu Camp and Kibo Summit, at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters.

Authorities identified the aircraft as belonging to Kilimanjaro Aviation, a company specializing in medical evacuation services. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority taking the lead.

Incidents of aircraft accidents on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare, with the last recorded crash dating back to November 2008, where four individuals lost their lives.