5 killed in helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro

DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) on Thursday confirmed that five people were killed on Wednesday after a helicopter crashed at the Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.

"With deep regret, the authority confirms that all five people on board lost their lives as a result of the accident," the TCAA said in a statement.

Police later identified the victims as two Czech tourists, a Zimbabwean pilot, a Tanzanian medical doctor, and a Tanzanian mountain guide.

The Kilimanjaro regional police commander, Simon Maigwa, said the Airbus H125, owned by a Tanzanian company, crashed Wednesday afternoon while on a rescue mission to evacuate the two Czech tourists after they experienced health problems.

An official investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances and cause of the crash, the TCAA said.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northern Tanzania, is a major destination for climbers and tourists from around the world. ■