Africa

Dozens die as cargo plane crashes in Congo

The Ilyushin a Soviet era designed plane crashes into homes and a bar as it tried to land in a storm in Brazzaville.
Last Modified: 01 Dec 2012 01:09
Two hours after the crash, firefighters were still scouring the wreckage to look for victims [AFP]

A cargo plan crashed at Brazzaville airport as it was trying to land in a storm, killing at least 30 residents and also the crew, emergency services and witnesses said.

The plane skidded off the runway and crashed into houses and a bar in the Congolese capital before crashing into a ravine, said Georgelin Massemba, head of the emergency services.

The crew, numbering three or four people, are thought to have died in the ensuing fire.

Another 20 or so people had been injured in the crash and taken to nearby hospitals, said witnesses.

The Ilyushin a Soviet era designed plane, registered with local company Aero-services, was flying in from the western port city of Pointe Noire carrying cars and other goods.

A journalist at the scene said the crash happened during a violent storm.

Two hours after the crash, firefighters were still scouring the wreckage to look for victims.

Although the plane was to carry freight, they sometimes also carry people other than the crew.

Africa has some of the worst air safety records in the world.

In June a commercial jetliner crashed in Lagos, Nigeria, killing 153 people.

191

Source:
Agencies
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Featured on Al Jazeera
An interactive dashboard examines the history, successes and challenges facing the group as leaders meet in Addis Ababa.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Fallout from rare strike at Arabtec Construction continues, as many South Asian labourers ordered to leave the country.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Featured
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
Extensive coverage of war crimes tribunals and controversial calls for blasphemy laws.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
join our mailing list