• Five people have died in a helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• The crash occurred on a rescue mission to pick up patients.
• Among the deceased are two Czech nationals and local staff.
• Tanzania's aviation authority has initiated an investigation.
• Aircraft accidents on Kilimanjaro are rare, the last being in 2008.

Five people tragically died when a helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania's renowned peak, during a rescue mission on Wednesday evening. Local authorities indicated that the helicopter was attempting to pick up patients along one of the popular climbing routes when the accident occurred. Among those who died were two foreigners on a medical evacuation, a local doctor, a tour guide, and the pilot, according to Africanews, Al Jazeera, and CBS News.

The crash took place between Barafu Camp and Kibo Summit, situated at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet). Local police confirmed that the helicopter belonged to the Kilimanjaro Aviation company, a provider of medical evacuation services, which has not yet commented on the incident. Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa stated that investigations have begun under international safety regulations. Authorities aim to understand the circumstances and probable cause of the crash, according to Africanews and Al Jazeera.

Notably, helicopter accidents on Mount Kilimanjaro are infrequent, with the last recorded case occurring in November 2008, resulting in four fatalities. Kilimanjaro attracts around 50,000 tourists annually, primarily for climbing, where altitude sickness poses a significant risk despite the ascent not being technically challenging, according to CBS News.