At least 13 people, including three military officers, were killed after a military aircraft crashed and burst into flames during an emergency landing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), The Sun UK reported.
The aircraft was reportedly heading towards DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, when it encountered technical problems, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing.
However, the aircraft crashed into a residential area in Kenge as there was no proper landing runway available, according to Kwango Deputy Governor Remy Saki Bokinda.
“The aircraft crashed in a residential area because there was no landing runway in Kenge,” Bokinda said.
Those on board included military auditor-general General Likulia Bakumi, a major, a captain, other military personnel and civilians.
“All the passengers on board the aircraft were killed,” Bokinda said, adding that around 12 bodies were so badly burned that they could not be identified, while the pilot’s body was found outside the aircraft.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, according to a government statement.
