Three people have been confirmed dead after the airplane which they were traveling in from the Nyerere National Park, crashed while taking off from the reserve in Morogoro Region, Central Tanzania.
Earlier reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said the plane crash in the National Park killed two and left two other passengers aboard the aircraft seriously injured.
But an update reveals the crash killed the Pilot from Frankfurt Zoological Society, an employee of FZS and a ranger from the Tanzania National who died on his way to hospital.
The deceased are Benard Shayo, the pilot, Amani Mgogolo and Theonas Nota, the Ranger.
The Cessna 182G Skylane C/N 182-66371 belonging to the Frankfurt Zoological Society was in the process of taking off from the Matambwe Gate airstrip.
Aboard the plane there were three four people. The aircraft was registered in 2021 according to Aviation Tanzania.
The team was reportedly departing from Matambwe gate for the usual aerial patrolling duties.
But as it was taking off from the airstrip the aircraft with registration 5H-FZS crashed within the Nyerere National Park.
The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon of May 18, 2023, when it crashed, killing two people on the spot.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent messages of condolence to the grieved families and the Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima.
The injured victims have been airlifted to the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar-es-salaam for medical treatment.
One died on the way.
The cause of the plane crash is yet to be divulged but reports say, investigations have started to determine what could have possibly gone.