A tragic helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro has claimed the lives of five people in Tanzania. The incident happened near Barafu Camp, a popular stop for climbers heading to the summit of the mountain.
According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the crash occurred on Wednesday. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been announced. Local Media said the helicopter was on a medical rescue mission at the time of the accident. Mwananchi newspaper and East Africa TV quoted Kilimanjaro region police chief Simon Maigwa, who shared details of the incident.
Among those who lost their lives were the pilot, a doctor, a mountain guide, and two foreign tourists. Authorities did not release the nationalities of the tourists. All five people died at the scene.
The helicopter crashed at a height of around 4,670 to 4,700 meters above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, rising to nearly 6,000 meters. Flying at such high altitudes can be very risky due to weather changes and low oxygen levels.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Around 50,000 people attempt to climb the mountain every year. Rescue missions by helicopter are sometimes used when climbers fall ill or get injured.
In a separate incident, another aviation tragedy was reported earlier this week. Libya’s army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, died in a plane crash after leaving Ankara, Turkey. Four other people were also on board the aircraft.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah described the incident as a great loss for the country. He said the crash happened while they were returning from an official visit and called it a painful moment for the nation.
Both accidents have raised fresh concerns about air safety during official and rescue missions.