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The site of a Congo military aircraft crash where 14 people dead (Img: X)
Kinshasa: A military aircraft crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo has left 14 people dead, including two senior military officials. The aircraft crashed near Kenge while it was returning to the capital city Kinshasa from Kikwit.
According to officials, the plane experienced a technical issue during the flight before losing control and crashing. All passengers and crew members onboard were killed in the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what exactly caused the crash.
The Congolese military confirmed that Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, who headed the country’s military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, the auditor general of the armed forces, were among those killed.
Military spokesperson Major General Efomi Ekenge said the aircraft was carrying members of a military delegation along with crew members when the tragedy occurred.
The deaths of the senior officers have shocked Congo’s defence establishment, as both officials held important positions within the country’s military structure.
Officials from Congo’s aviation authorities and military have started examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The exact reason behind the crash has not yet been confirmed, although preliminary information points towards a possible technical failure.
Investigators are expected to examine flight records, aircraft condition and other factors to establish the cause of the tragedy.
The incident comes at a time when Congo’s armed forces are involved in operations against armed groups, particularly in the eastern parts of the country.
The loss of senior military officials adds another challenge for the country’s defence forces as authorities continue efforts to maintain security and stability.
The investigation into the crash will determine whether mechanical failure or any other factor contributed to the deadly accident.
