Military plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo kills thirteen people.

A military Let L-410 aircraft traveling from Kikwit to Kinshasa crashed in Kenge, in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province, after experiencing a reported technical problem and attempting an emergency landing. All 13 people aboard were killed, including army auditor general General Likulia Bakumi and other military personnel and civilians; officials said there were no reported casualties on the ground. Congo’s aviation accident investigators have opened a probe into the crash.
The aircraft was operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, was registered as 9S-GUC and was reportedly bound for Ndolo Airport in Kinshasa.
Kwango Vice Governor Remy Saki Bokinda said Kenge had no landing strip, and the plane crashed into a residential plot while attempting to land.
Bokinda said 12 people were burned beyond recognition and the pilot’s body was found outside the aircraft.
The three army officers aboard included a major and a captain, in addition to General Likulia Bakumi.
The crash came after Congo’s army suffered significant setbacks the previous year, when Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels seized large areas in the country’s east.
Publishers
16
Articles
89
Reach
105