Congo Plane Crash Near Kenge Kills At Least 13, Two Top Generals Among Dead

At least 13 people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in a residential area near Kenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with two senior military generals among those reported dead. The death toll was later reported to have risen to 17, though figures remained subject to confirmation.

The Let L-410, operated by local carrier TRACEP, was travelling from Kikwit towards Kinshasa when it encountered technical problems, forcing the aircraft to divert towards Kenge in Kwango province.

The aircraft, however, did not have access to a usable runway in the area and eventually came down in the Manzawu residential area, turning an emergency diversion into a deadly crash.

Among those killed were Lieutenant General Lucien-René Likulia Bakumi and Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, two senior figures in the Congolese military.

The crash has renewed concerns over aviation safety in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where poor infrastructure, limited emergency facilities and operational challenges have complicated air travel, particularly in remote parts of the vast country.

President Félix Tshisekedi expressed condolences to the families of those killed and called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigators have begun examining the wreckage and are searching for the aircraft's flight recorder, which could provide crucial information about what happened after the aircraft developed technical problems and diverted towards Kenge.

Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft's mechanical condition, the decision to divert, available landing options and conditions at the time of the crash as part of the investigation.

The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by passengers travelling between Congolese cities, where road infrastructure is often inadequate and air transport plays an important role in connecting distant regions.

Officials have not yet established the precise cause of the crash, and investigators are expected to release further details as the recovery and inquiry continue.