Five killed in helicopter crash on Africa’s highest mountain (VIDEO)

An investigation has been launched to determine the probable cause of the tragedy at Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian officials have said

A helicopter has crashed on Africa’s tallest mountain in Tanzania, killing all five people on board, including the pilot and two foreign nationals, officials have reported.

The accident occurred on Wednesday evening at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro during a rescue mission to evacuate patients, the East African country’s police said. The Barafu Camp, located at an altitude of approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level, is said to be one of the most popular routes for tourists climbing the mountain.

Kilimanjaro regional police commander Simon Maigwa told reporters that the aircraft belonged to aviation company KiliMedair, which conducts medical evacuation services and scenic flights.

“Those who died are two foreign tourists, one guide, the pilot, and a doctor,” Maigwa said, according to local outlet The Citizen.

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The BBC identified the victims as Plos David and Plosova Anna, both Czech citizens who had been taken up the mountain for an expedition by Mikaya Tours. The others included Jimmy Daniel, a doctor; Innocent Mbaga, the tour guide; and Constantine Mazonde, the pilot and a Zimbabwean national.

KiliMedair has yet to comment on the crash.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement on Thursday that an “investigation has been instituted in accordance with national and international aviation safety regulations to determine the circumstances and probable cause of the occurrence.”

Aviation accidents on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare. The most recent incident before Wednesday’s crash occurred in 2008, claiming the lives of four tourists. Prior to that, only a handful of accidents had been recorded over several decades, including a major DC 3 airliner crash in 1955.