Kinshasa, 26 September (H.S.): A military aircraft crashed in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday, killing at least 14 people, including senior military officers, soldiers and civilians.

According to Al Jazeera News, the aircraft was travelling from the southwestern city of Kikwit to the capital, Kinshasa. During the flight, the aircraft developed a technical problem and attempted to land in Kenge, in Kwango Province. However, as there was no landing strip in the area, the aircraft crashed into a residential neighbourhood.

Kwango Deputy Governor Rémy Saki Bokinda said there was no airstrip in Kenge where the aircraft could land, resulting in the crash in a residential area.

According to Congolese army spokesperson Major General Efomi Ekengenge, 14 people were killed in the accident. He said all those aboard the aircraft lost their lives. Twelve of the bodies were severely burned, making identification difficult. The pilot’s body was found outside the wreckage.

According to the army, the victims included civilians as well as members of a government delegation travelling with two generals and other military personnel. Officials said most of the bodies had suffered severe burns.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities are examining all aspects of the incident, including the aircraft’s reported technical malfunction and the attempt to land shortly before the accident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar