Czech Tourists killed as Helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Pilot and Medical doctor also perish
A helicopter has crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro, reportedly killing all its passengers.
Early reports from Moshi Municipality indicate that the chopper was on a rescue mission on Africa’s highest peak before it was involved in the tragic accident which killed all the five people who were on board, including the pilots.
Two tourists from the Czech Republic, their Tanzanian Guide, a Medical Doctor and the chopper pilot from Zimbabwe were killed on the spot.
Authorities in the area are yet to divulge the cause of the helicopter accident which is said to have occurred at the Barafu section of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The chopper belonged to Kilimedair Aviation, a company which provides airlifting services, chartered services, scenic flights and medical evacuations on the local mountains, in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania, including Kilimanjaro and Meru.
Details are still scanty as rescue operations continue to salvage the remains of the chopper and its five occupants.
So far …
At approximately 18:00 local time today, a helicopter Airbus AS350 B3 operated by KilimedAir (Savannah Aviation Limited) was involved in a fatal crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
According to preliminary information, the helicopter went down in the area known as Barafu Valley, located on the south-eastern part of Mount Kilimanjaro, crashing at an altitude of approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) above sea level.
A number of mountain guides who were on the mountain at the time of the incident moved toward the crash site to initiate a rescue mission.
A report published by Altezza, one of the tour operators in the Kilimanjaro Region, says “unfortunately, there were no survivors from the fateful crash!”
The victims are reported to include the pilot, a paramedic, and three clients on board.
Investigate efforts are currently being initiated by the relevant authorities. Due to the location and terrain, the operation is expected to be complex.
Zanzibar News will you updated on the new development from the crash site.