Six people lost their lives and only one survived the crash of a plane on Saturday 16 August, 34 kilometers from Kisangani. Only one passenger survived the crash. He was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment.

The victims included the aircraft’s two pilots, whose nationality was not specified. A colonel, battalion commander in Punia, and his wife were also killed in the crash. One of their bodyguards was killed, while a second survived and was rushed to a medical centre. The lifeless bodies of the aircraft were found and taken to the morgue in Kisangani.

According to witnesses, the aircraft, coming from Lubutu, crashed after hitting a tree on the Ituri road at a place called PK34.

The exact causes of this tragedy remain undetermined for the time being. According to the local authorities, investigations have begun to find out more about the cause of this tragic accident.

Other sources have reported that the as yet unidentified aircraft belonged to a private individual currently in Europe. The aircraft was left behind in Lubutu during the occupation of the M23 rebels in Walikale, a town located some 180 km from Lubutu centre. However, the shock came as the plane was being brought back to Kisangani.

While on approach to Kisangani, some 34km away, the aircraft lost radio contact with Bangoka airport. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Aircraft crashes are very common in the DRC, especially involving small aircraft. People looking for emergency exits from rural areas use them to reach urban areas quickly because the roads are insecure and impassable. Rigorous technical inspections are needed to avoid similar situations in the future.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma