A military plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 13 people, including several senior military figures. The aircraft went down on Friday while travelling from Kikwit to the capital, Kinshasa.
Crash during attempted landing
Remy Saki Bokinda, vice governor of Kwango province, said the plane experienced a technical problem and attempted to land in Kenge before crashing in a ball of flames on a "residential plot."
"All those on board died - 12 were burned beyond recognition, while the pilot's lifeless body was found outside the aircraft," he said.
Senior officials among victims
Passengers included the army's auditor general, General Likulia Bakumi, as well as several other senior military officials. Civilians are also among the dead.
The DRC's aviation accident investigation authority has launched an investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. Images shared on social media show a crowd of people gathered around the burning wreckage.
Separate RAF crash in Wales
This comes after an RAF fighter jet crashed in Wales this week. Both pilots managed to eject and nobody was seriously injured. The Hawk T2 aircraft had been flying out of the RAF Valley station on Anglesey on Wednesday when it plummeted to the ground in the nearby Pencarnisiog area.
Hawk operations have been paused by the RAF as a "precautionary measure" while investigations into the crash are ongoing. On Thursday, the RAF said the two pilots, who were treated for minor injuries, are "doing well" and are "expected to make a full recovery."
A video of the crash shared on social media on Wednesday appeared to show the two pilots ejecting from the aircraft before it nosedives and crashes in flames. The footage shows a plume of smoke and fire erupting as the aircraft hits the ground, appearing to narrowly miss residential properties.
