URGENT UPDATE: Five people are confirmed dead following a tragic helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The incident occurred near the Barafu Camp on December 25, 2025, during a medical rescue mission, according to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority.
Among the deceased are a Tanzanian guide, Innocent Mbaga, a 32-year-old doctor named Jimmy Daniel, and a Zimbabwean pilot, Constantine Mazonde, aged 42. Additionally, two Czech tourists, David Plos and Anna Plosova, both 30, were aboard the Airbus helicopter when it went down.
The helicopter was reportedly transporting the tourists, who were on a six-day climbing expedition, as they descended from the peak. The crash site is located between 4,670 and 4,700 metres above sea level, a treacherous area for any aviation operation.
Officials from the Tanzania National Parks Authority state that they are working closely with the relevant embassies to repatriate the bodies of the victims.
The aviation authority has announced an investigation to ascertain the circumstances and likely causes of the crash, adhering to international aviation safety standards.
This incident comes as a shock in a region known for its tourism, with approximately 50,000 climbers attempting to summit Kilimanjaro annually. Historically, aircraft accidents in this area are rare, with the last recorded crash occurring in November 2008, which also resulted in fatalities.
The helicopter belonged to Kilimandair, a company that offers descent services for climbers finding the traditional descent too arduous. The company has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
As investigations continue, the tragic loss of life underscores the inherent risks associated with high-altitude rescues and tourism in one of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as more information becomes available. This incident not only raises questions about aviation safety but also impacts the families and loved ones of those who perished in this heartbreaking event.
