Five people died when a rescue helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro during a medical evacuation, police say. The crash occurred between Barafu Camp and the Kibo Summit at above 4,000 metres (13,100 ft). Victims included two foreign patients, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority has opened an investigation to determine the probable cause.
Rescue Helicopter Crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro During Medical Evacuation — Five Dead
A vehicle drives past Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania [File: Katrina Manson/Reuters]
Five people were killed when a rescue helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on Wednesday evening during a medical evacuation, authorities say. The aircraft went down between Barafu Camp and the Kibo Summit at an altitude above 4,000 metres (13,100 ft).
Police said two foreign patients who had been picked up in the evacuation were among those killed. The other victims included a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot. Tanzanian media reported that Czech nationals and a Zimbabwean were among the passengers on board.
Investigation Under Way
Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa told reporters the helicopter was operated by Kilimanjaro Aviation; the company has not yet responded to requests for comment. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority said it had opened an investigation under international safety regulations to "determine the circumstances and probable cause" of the accident.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority: 'Investigations have started in line with international safety regulations to determine the circumstances and probable cause of the accident.'
Context
Accidents involving aircraft on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare. The last recorded crash on the mountain occurred in November 2008, when four people died. Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of visitors each year; while the ascent is not technically difficult, altitude sickness remains a common and sometimes serious risk, which can necessitate emergency evacuations.
Authorities continue their inquiries. Further details, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause of the crash, have not yet been released.
