A helicopter crashed on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro on Wednesday, killing five people, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority confirmed. Local media reported the aircraft was on a medical rescue mission when the accident occurred near Barafu Camp, a popular high-altitude location on the mountain.
Among the deceased were the pilot, a doctor, a guide, and two foreign tourists, though their nationalities were not disclosed. The crash took place at an altitude between 4,670 and 4,700 meters, in the challenging terrain of Africa’s highest peak.
Authorities said rescue operations were difficult due to the mountain’s altitude and rugged conditions. Mount Kilimanjaro rises nearly 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) above sea level, attracting around 50,000 tourists annually who climb its trails each year.
Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, examining whether weather, technical issues, or other factors contributed. The Civil Aviation Authority has promised a full report once the investigation is complete.
The accident highlights the risks of aviation and rescue operations in high-altitude and extreme terrain. Local authorities and tour operators are reviewing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.