- Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa confirmed the death of five people after the tragic plane crash
- Authorities shared the names of the victims of the crash, which included a doctor and two tourists
- Altezza Travel sent their condolences to the bereaved families after their efforts to rescue the victims hit a cliff
Tanzania: Five people have died after a helicopter owned by KiliMedAir Aviation crashed between Kibo Hut and Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Source: UGC
The incident happened around 11:30 pm on Wednesday, December 24.
What caused the plane crash on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa confirmed the tragedy, explaining that the helicopter, an Airbus AS350 B3 operated by Savannah Aviation Limited under the KiliMedAir logo, was transporting patients associated with Mikaya Tours when it went down.
Witnesses reported that the plane crashed just minutes after taking off from the Barafu Camp helipad and burst into flames when it hit the Ice Basin, located on the southeast side of the mountain at an altitude of about 4,700 meters.
The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed.
Who died in the plane crash on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Authorities identified the victims as two Czech tourists, Plos David and Plosova Anna; tour leader Jimmy Mbaga; pilot Constantine Mazonde from Zimbabwe; and therapist Jimmy Daniel.
All five were pronounced dead at the scene.
Rescue teams, including nearby Altezza Travel mountain guides, rushed to the crash site but found no survivors.
Source: UGC
“Altezza mountain guides who were on the mountain at the time of the incident went to the accident site to start a rescue operation. Unfortunately, there were no survivors. Altezza Travel offers its deepest condolences to all those who lost their lives and to their families during this tragic event,” said Altezza Travel manager Anatolii Foksha in a statement.
Meanwhile, KiliMedAir Aviation is a popular rescue company on Mount Kilimanjaro, performing up to five rescues a day during peak climbing season.
The company is known for providing free emergency rescue to backpackers and climbers, saving many lives over the years.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the crash.
How did the people of Tanzania feel about the Mount Kilimanjaro accident?
Exodus Travel Agency25: “Poor, it is a very sad thing. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Indeed, the journey of human life is a mystery; only God knows. So others, let us thank God for the gift of life; no matter your current situation, as long as the Lord has kept you alive, there is still hope.”
Yo, ItsNic: “Christmas was just a day away.”
Esgar Meedah: “Kibo and Barafu Camp are both dangerous and high altitudes. RIP.”
Isabellah Namuyemba Of Wakoli: “By the blood of Jesus, we reject evil death in the name of Jesus! Pray very much.”
Peter Macharia: “The safest place is to be in a relationship with the Creator. So that in any situation or environment, one will find comfort in His presence. Pray for relatives.”
A plane carrying a sick child crashes into the water
Elsewhere, a Mexican Navy plane carrying eight people crashed into the water near Galveston, Texas, killing five survivors.
King Air ANX 1209 was on a humanitarian operation under Plan Marina, transporting patients for specialized medical services.
Among those inside was a small child with severe stabbing pains, accompanied by medical personnel and Navy personnel.
The trip was organized in collaboration with the Michou y Mau Fund, which helps children with life-threatening stab wounds.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
