Five Killed In Helicopter Crash On Mount Kilimanjaro | World News

Dar Es Salaam: The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) confirmed on Thursday that five people died on Wednesday after a helicopter crashed at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. TCAA said in a statement, “The Authority confirms with deep regret that all five people on board lost their lives as a result of the accident.” he said.

Police later identified the victims as two Czech tourists, a Zimbabwean pilot, a Tanzanian medical doctor and a Tanzanian mountain guide, Xinhua news agency reported.

An Airbus H125 plane belonging to a Tanzanian company crashed on Wednesday afternoon during a rescue mission to evacuate two Czech tourists after they suffered health problems, Kilimanjaro regional police commander Simon Maigwa said.

TCAA said a formal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances and cause of the crash.

Located in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a major destination for climbers and tourists from around the world.

Earlier this year, Tanzanian authorities confirmed that they were preparing to introduce regulations for the operation of cable transport, also known as cable car systems, in order to strengthen the country’s tourism and transportation infrastructure.

Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) Director General Habibu Suluo said eight regions have been determined to operate cable transport, namely Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga, Sahil, Morogoro, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro and Iringa.

“Wired transportation will help tourists access tourist attractions in mountainous regions in a short time,” he said at a press conference in the port city of Dar es Salaam in April this year.

Suluo said that LATRA, which regulates rail and road transportation in the country, was also tasked with regulating cable transportation.

According to Suluo, the proposed cable transportation will be implemented in Tanzania, on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in mountainous regions such as Mbeya and Iringa, and in congested areas such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Suluo dismissed concerns that the introduction of cable transportation on Mount Kilimanjaro would lead to job losses for porters who assist climbers, saying the technology was intended to complement, not replace.