Helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro, five people killed

Dar es Salaam (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic accident has occurred on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, where five people lost their lives after a helicopter crash. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) confirmed on Thursday that a helicopter crashed near Barafu Camp, killing everyone on board. In an official statement, the authority said it was deeply saddened to confirm that all five occupants died in the accident.

According to police officials, the victims included two tourists from the Czech Republic, a pilot from Zimbabwe, a Tanzanian doctor, and a Tanzanian mountain guide. Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Magweiga said the aircraft was an Airbus H125 helicopter operated by a Tanzanian company. The helicopter was on a rescue mission to evacuate the two Czech tourists due to health complications when the crash occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

The TCAA stated that an official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the crash. Authorities are examining all technical and operational aspects related to the incident. Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northern Tanzania, is a major destination for climbers and tourists from around the world.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian officials recently announced plans to introduce regulations for cable transport systems to improve tourism and transport infrastructure. The Director General of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority, Habibu Suluo, said eight regions including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga, Coast, Morogoro, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro, and Iringa have been identified for cable transport operations. He clarified that introducing cable transport on Mount Kilimanjaro will not negatively impact porters’ jobs, as the system will support existing arrangements rather than replace them.