DRC Plane Crash Kills 17, Including Two Senior Military Justice Officials
A tragic plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed all 17 people aboard, including two of the country’s most senior military justice officials.
The aircraft was traveling from Kikwit to Kinshasa on September 25 when it reportedly developed a technical problem. The crew attempted to make an emergency landing near Kenge, in Kwango Province, but with no suitable landing strip available, the aircraft crashed into a residential area and caught fire.
Among those killed were Lieutenant General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi, Auditor General of the Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, First President of the High Military Court.
Initial reports put the death toll at 13, but authorities later confirmed 17 fatalities. All those aboard were killed, with several victims reportedly burned beyond recognition. A baby was also among those on board.
Authorities said there were no reported casualties on the ground.
Congo’s aviation accident investigation authority has launched an investigation to determine what caused the technical problem and why the aircraft was unable to land safely.
