Fatal Helicopter Crash on Mount Kilimanjaro Claims Five Lives

Moshi – A rescue helicopter crashed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, between Kibo Hut and Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. as the helicopter was traveling to retrieve patients associated with tourism company Boby Camping.

"It is true that there has been a helicopter accident involving the KiliMedair rescue company. Those who died are two foreign tourists, one guide, the pilot, and a doctor," the regional police chief stated.

Commander Maigwa identified the victims as Constantine Mazonde, a Zimbabwean national serving as the pilot, Dr. Jimmy Daniel, and tourist guide Innocent Mbaga.

The remaining victims were Czech Republic nationals Plos David and Plosova Anna, who were tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through Mikaya Tours.

"The Kilimedair company aircraft, which conducts rescue operations on Mount Kilimanjaro, crashed in the Glacier Valley area. The helicopter was carrying five people, and all of them had died," Commander Maigwa confirmed.

Reports from the scene indicate that following the crash, the helicopter caught fire and broke apart during rescue efforts.

The crash site, located between Kibo Hut and Barafu Camp, sits at an altitude of between 4,670 meters and 4,700 meters above sea level, presenting significant challenges for emergency response teams.