Authorities probe helicopter crash killing five on Mt K’njaro

DAR ES SALAAM: AUTHORITIES have launched an investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash that claimed five lives at Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) on Wednesday evening.

TANAPA Conservation Commissioner Musa Kuji stated this yesterday while briefing journalists on the incident in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“The cause of the accident is still unknown and the relevant authorities, including the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and other aviation-related authorities, are at the scene to continue the investigation,” he said.

Mr Kuji added that the public will be informed once the official investigation report has been submitted and reviewed by the relevant authorities.

The accident occurred at the Barafu camp area, at an altitude of 4,673 metres above sea level, involving a rescue helicopter from KiliMedair company.

ALSO READ: Govt expands small-scale mining licenses nationwide

Those who died in the accident are Constantin Mazonde (42), pilot, resident of Soweto ward, Moshi municipality; Davis Plos (30), tourist, Czech Republic; Anna Plosova (30), tourist, Czech Republic; Jimmy Daniel (32), doctor, KiliMedair rescue company, resident of Rau ward, Moshi municipality; and Innocent Mmbaga, tour guide, resident of Moshi City.

Mr Kuji said communication has begun between Tanzanian authorities and the Czech embassy to identify the deceased visitors and complete procedures related to the tragedy.

Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa had confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter was conducting a mission to evacuate sick climbers when the tragedy occurred.

The crash site, located between Kibo Hut and Barafu Camp, is at an altitude of 4,670 to 4,700 metres above sea level, highlighting the challenging geographic and environmental conditions at which the accident occurred.