KINSHASA, Congo — In a thunderous blast, a cargo plane slammed into an impoverished residential neighborhood in Congo’s capital seconds after takeoff Thursday, leaving at least 25 people dead in a smoky wreckage of concrete blocks and twisted debris.
The fiery crash underscored the dangers of flying in Congo, which has experienced more fatal air crashes than any other African country since 1945, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The turboprop belonged to the Congolese company Africa One, which has been barred from flying in the European Union because of safety concerns.
A U.N. peacekeeping spokesman said 25 people were killed and two aboard the plane survived — a mechanic and a flight attendant who was in critical condition.
Police said that amid the wreckage, it was difficult to determine how many of the dead had been aboard the plane and how many were on the ground. Transport Minister Remy Kuseyo said at least three people on the ground died.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said three Russians were among the dead: the pilot, the co-pilot and a flight engineer. Cargo planes in Congo are frequently flown by pilots from former Soviet states.
At least 22 people were injured, according to the Congolese Red Cross.
It was not immediately known what caused the Antonov 26 to go down. But the Russian Foreign Ministry said one of the plane’s propellers somehow broke off during takeoff, and one of its wings was sheared off as it hit a bank of trees.
That account was echoed by several witnesses at the scene, who said the aircraft appeared to be missing a propeller before it crashed.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
