A helicopter crash on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro has claimed the lives of five people, including foreign tourists and medical personnel, authorities confirmed on Thursday, in what has become one of the deadliest aviation incidents on Africa’s highest mountain in recent years.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) said the helicopter went down on Wednesday near Barafu Camp, a high-altitude base used by climbers attempting to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. Barafu Camp lies along the popular southern climbing routes and is known for its challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.
In a statement, the aviation authority confirmed that all five occupants on board the aircraft died in the crash. Local media reports, citing regional police officials, indicated that the helicopter was conducting a medical evacuation mission at the time of the incident.
According to Mwananchi newspaper and East Africa TV, the helicopter was responding to an emergency involving climbers on the mountain. Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander, Simon Maigwa, was quoted as saying that those killed included the pilot, a medical doctor, a mountain guide and two foreign tourists, whose nationalities were not immediately disclosed.
The crash reportedly occurred at an altitude between 4,670 and 4,700 metres, where oxygen levels are significantly reduced and flying conditions are often unpredictable. Aviation experts note that operating aircraft at such elevations requires specialised equipment and highly experienced pilots due to thin air, sudden wind shifts and rapidly changing weather patterns.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at nearly 6,000 metres (20,000 feet) above sea level, is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the continent’s most popular tourist attractions. Each year, an estimated 50,000 climbers from around the world attempt to reach its snow-capped summit, known as Uhuru Peak.
Helicopters are frequently deployed on the mountain for rescue operations involving altitude sickness, injuries or sudden medical emergencies, particularly during peak climbing seasons. However, rescue missions at high altitude are considered high-risk due to limited visibility, steep slopes and unstable weather.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with aviation officials expected to examine possible mechanical failure, weather conditions and operational factors. The wreckage was located in a difficult-to-access area, complicating recovery and investigation efforts.
Tanzania’s government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while tourism operators and mountaineering associations have also paid tribute to the guide and rescue personnel who lost their lives while assisting others.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about aviation safety during high-altitude rescue missions on Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the need for enhanced safety protocols for emergency operations on the mountain.
Further details are expected as investigators continue their work and authorities notify the families and respective embassies of the deceased foreign nationals.