At least 13 dead in military aircraft crash in Congo

At least 13 people died when a military aircraft crashed and burned in Kenge, in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango Province, while travelling from Kikwit to Kinshasa, according to the province’s vice governor. The aviation accident investigation authority has opened an inquiry into the cause. Vice Governor Remy Saki Bokinda said the aircraft developed a technical problem and attempted to land in Kenge before crashing on a residential plot. His account did not establish whether the reported problem caused the crash, and investigators have not released findings. Bokinda said everyone aboard was killed. He reported that 12 people were burned beyond recognition and that the pilot’s body was found outside the aircraft. The source account put the death toll at at least 13, and said civilians were among the dead. Among the passengers, Bokinda identified Army auditor general General Likulia Bakumi and several other senior military officials. No independently confirmed passenger list or casualty breakdown was provided in the available account, so the identities and details remain attributed to the vice governor.