Death toll rises to 29 after plane crashes in densely populated area of Congo

The death toll has risen upto 29 in Congo after a plane crashed. The aircraft crashed into residential homes near Goma’s airport in the North Kivu province. North Kivu regional government said that one of the passengers among 19 survived.

16 injured taken to hospital

The plane crash survivor along with 16 injured people was taken to the nearby hospital. The Government in its recent statement revealed that the death toll rose from 23  to 29. Several photos and videos of the crash were posted on Twitter showing the burning aircraft and the people pouring buckets of water. The deputy transport minister Jacques Yuma Kipuya said that the plane crashed into two houses located near the airport. The aircraft hit the walls of the houses and is still stuck. The UN mission has deployed two fire engines to support rescue services in DR Congo. 

READ: At Least 23 Killed In Congo Plane Crash; Casualties On The Ground As Well

Aircraft was headed for Beni

The aircraft Dornier-228 was headed for Beni, which is located 350 kilometres (220 miles) in the north of Goma. In a sudden turn of events, while taking off, it crashed on the nearby populated area of Goma, which is located towards the east of the country. Heritier Said Mamadou, a staff member of the Busy Bee informed that there were 17 passengers on board along with two crew members. The flight took off at its usual time in the morning around 9 or 9:10am. 

READ: Congo Plane Crashes In Goma With 17 People On Board

Investigation underway

The governor of North Kivu was the first one to release an official statement about the crash along with the number of passengers on board. The investigation is still going on to ascertain the main cause behind the plane crash. One of the maintenance workers of Busy Bee told the international media that the crash happened due to technical problems. The rescue operation is still going on and the number of casualties on the ground is still unknown.  

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