Five dead in helicopter crash at Mount Kilimanjaro’s Barafu Camp

Five people died following a helicopter crash at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) confirmed.

The chopper was on a rescue mission and among the dead were a guide, a doctor, the pilot and two foreign tourists.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the aviation regulator said the accident involved an Airbus Helicopters H125, registration 5H-KMA, which went down at the high-altitude camp on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain.

“The aircraft was carrying five persons on board. Tragically, the accident resulted in the loss of all five lives,” TCAA Director General Salim Msangi said.

The crash occurred on December 24, 2025, at Barafu Camp, a key staging point for climbers attempting the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Authorities did not immediately release details on the identities or nationalities of the victims, nor the purpose of the flight.

But other officials said the aircraft was on a medical rescue mission.

Msangi said relevant government authorities and emergency response agencies were notified immediately after the incident.

An investigation has since been launched in line with national and international aviation safety regulations to establish the circumstances and probable cause of the accident.

Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Tanzania’s top tourist attractions, is frequently serviced by helicopters for rescue operations, logistics, and VIP transport due to its challenging terrain and altitude.