The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed the deaths of senior army officials in a plane crash that occurred on Friday night. The crash, which happened in the Kenge area of DRC, claimed the lives of 14 people, including 2 Lieutenant Generals serving different positions in the army. The incident has sent shockwaves through the military and government, with many paying tribute to the deceased.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has released the names of the officers who were killed in the crash. They were identified as Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, the First President of the Military High Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, the Auditor General of the FARDC. According to FARDC Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, the two military officers were on a special army mission when the plane crashed.
The plane, a Let 410 aircraft operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, was traveling from Kikwit to Kenge when it encountered problems and eventually crashed into a residential compound. The aircraft burst into flames, killing all on board, including the crew. Reports from the DR Congo’s provincial government indicate that the plane had circled over Kenge several times as the crew searched for a suitable place to land before eventually crashing.
The Vice Governor of Kwango, Remy Saki, has provided more details about the crash. He said the pilot’s body was discovered outside the wreckage of the aircraft, suggesting that he may have tried to jump out of the plane when things went out of control. Fortunately, no one in the residential compound was injured, despite the impact and subsequent fire.
The crash has raised concerns among residents and authorities, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the incident. This is the fourth plane crash to occur in the DR Congo within one month, sparking fears about aviation safety in the country. Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, working to secure the wreckage and investigate the cause of the crash.
The FARDC has confirmed that 12 other delegation members and the crew perished in the fire. The incident has sent shockwaves through the military and government, with many paying tribute to the deceased. The government has promised to investigate the cause of the crash and provide support to the families of the victims.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to be launched soon. The government has promised to take steps to improve aviation safety in the country, following a series of recent crashes. The incident has highlighted the need for greater investment in aviation infrastructure and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Key points
- Two Lieutenant Generals, Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, were among those killed in the plane crash.
- The plane crash was the fourth to occur in the DR Congo within one month, raising concerns about aviation safety.
- No one in the residential compound was injured despite the impact and subsequent fire.
