DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Five people, including two Czech tourists, were killed on Wednesday when their helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian authorities announced Thursday.
The aircraft went down at an altitude of 4 700m near Camp Barafu on Africa’s highest peak, according to the country’s aviation authority. All five people aboard the helicopter died in the crash.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the accident, officials said.
The tragedy comes as Tanzania’s aviation sector faces heightened scrutiny over safety concerns. In June, the European Union added all Tanzanian air transport companies to its at-risk list following a series of aviation accidents in the country.
The EU cited “a shortage of qualified personnel, ineffective oversight processes in flight operations and airworthiness, and non-compliance with international safety standards” in its decision.
Tanzania has experienced several deadly aviation accidents in recent years. In 2022, a plane crashed into Lake Victoria, killing 19 people. The country’s aviation safety record includes a 1999 crash in the northern region that killed 12 people, including 10 American tourists.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5 895m, is one of Tanzania’s premier tourist destinations, attracting thousands of climbers and visitors annually. The mountain’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions can pose significant risks for aircraft operations.
An investigation into Wednesday’s helicopter crash is expected to be launched to determine the cause of the accident.
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