Rescue helicopter crashes, killing five on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro

Two foreigners seeking aesculapian evacuation are among those killed successful the clang connected Africa’s highest mountain.

Five radical person been killed successful a chopper clang connected Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, successful Tanzania, authorities say.

The mishap took spot connected Wednesday evening connected 1 of the astir fashionable tourer climbing routes successful what constabulary said was a rescue ngo to prime up patients connected the mountain.

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Two foreigners, who constabulary said had been picked up successful a aesculapian evacuation, were among those killed.

A section doctor, a circuit usher and the aviator were besides killed successful the crash.

Tanzanian media reports said Czech nationals arsenic good arsenic a Zimbabwean were connected committee the helicopter.

The mishap happened betwixt the mountain’s Barafu Camp and Kibo Summit astatine an altitude of much than 4,000 metres (13,100ft).

Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa told journalists the craft belonged to the Kilimanjaro Aviation company, which has yet to remark connected the accident.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority connected Thursday said investigations had started successful enactment with planetary information regulations “to find the circumstances and probable cause” of the accident.

Aircraft accidents connected Mount Kilimanjaro are rare. The past recorded incidental was successful November 2008 erstwhile 4 radical died.

Kilimanjaro draws thousands of tourists each year. While the ascent is not technically difficult, altitude sickness is simply a occupation for galore climbers.