UPDATE: In a tragic incident, five people are dead following a helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, according to the Civil Aviation Authority reports. The crash occurred near the Barafu camp on December 25, 2025, while the helicopter was on a medical rescue mission.
The victims include a Tanzanian guide, Innocent Mbaga, a 32-year-old doctor, Jimmy Daniel, a Zimbabwean pilot residing in Tanzania, Constantine Mazonde, aged 42, and two Czech tourists, David Plos and Anna Plosova, both 30 years old. They were aboard the Airbus helicopter when the accident happened around 4,670 to 4,700 meters above sea level.
According to the Tanzania National Parks Authority, the Czech tourists were on a six-day trek that commenced on December 23, and were in the process of descending when the helicopter went down. The commissioner for Tanzania National Parks, Musa Kuji, confirmed that authorities are coordinating with the relevant embassies to facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ bodies.
As the investigation into the crash unfolds, the Civil Aviation Authority has announced that it will adhere to international aviation safety standards to determine the cause. The helicopter belonged to Kilimedair, a company known for providing a quick descent option for climbers who find the traditional two-day descent challenging.
This incident marks a rare occurrence in the region, where approximately 50,000 tourists climb Kilimanjaro annually. The last recorded aircraft accident on the mountain occurred in November 2008, resulting in four fatalities.
The emotional toll of this tragedy is profound, affecting the families and friends of the victims, as well as the broader climbing community. The height of Mount Kilimanjaro, nearly 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) above sea level, underscores the risks involved in mountaineering activities in the area.
As investigations continue, officials are urging the public and media to remain patient for further updates. The aviation community is on alert as details surrounding this devastating accident emerge.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
