KILIMANJARO, Tanzania — Five people have been killed after a helicopter crashed on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) confirmed on Thursday.

The victims were identified as a Tanzanian mountain guide, a Tanzanian doctor, a Zimbabwean pilot, and two tourists from the Czech Republic, according to a statement issued by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

The helicopter went down on Wednesday near Barafu Camp, one of the main high-altitude camps used by climbers attempting to reach Uhuru Peak. The TCAA said the crash occurred at an elevation of between 4,670 and 4,700 metres above sea level, just below the summit zone of Africa’s highest mountain.

Local media outlets, including Mwananchi newspaper and East Africa TV, citing the Kilimanjaro region’s head of police, reported that the helicopter was on a medical rescue mission at the time of the accident.

Mount Kilimanjaro rises to nearly 6,000 metres (20,000 feet) above sea level and attracts climbers from around the world. An estimated 50,000 tourists attempt to scale the mountain each year, making rescue operations a critical but challenging part of park management due to extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has renewed concerns about aviation safety and emergency rescue operations in high-altitude environments within the region.

Prime Africa Channel will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.