14 killed as military plane crashes in DR Congo

Fourteen people, including two generals, were killed when a military aircraft crashed in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country’s armed forces said Friday.

According to Al Jazeera, the aircraft developed a mechanical problem while travelling from Kikwit in southwestern DRC to the capital, Kinshasa.

The crew then attempted an emergency landing in the Kenge area of Kwango province. However, the aircraft crashed into a residential area after the pilot apparently found no runway suitable for landing.

Major General Efomi Ekenge, spokesperson for the Congolese army, and Kwango Deputy Governor Remy Saki Bokinda confirmed the crash and said all people aboard the aircraft were killed.

The aircraft caught fire after the crash, making it impossible to identify the remains of 12 of the victims. The pilot’s body was recovered outside the wreckage.

The victims included military personnel, members of a government delegation and several civilians.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The mineral-rich central African country has for years been battling armed rebel groups, particularly in its eastern regions.