DRC Suspends Aviation Company After Crash Kills 17

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday suspended the operations of the aviation company whose aircraft crashed in the southwest of the country on Friday, killing 17 people, including two army generals and an infant.

The small aircraft, operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, left Kikwit airport for the capital, Kinshasa, before crashing at around 2:05 pm local time and catching fire, according to Remy Saki, the vice-governor of Kwango province, where the crash occurred.

The Transport Ministry said the company’s operations had been suspended nationwide pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Permanent Bureau of Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation.

Authorities said 17 people were killed, comprising 13 passengers, including an infant, and four crew members. The death toll was updated after the fire was brought under control.

Two army generals travelling on an official mission were among those killed. They were Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo, first president of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-Rene Likulia, the military’s auditor general, according to the army.

President Felix Tshisekedi ordered the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the exact circumstances and causes of the crash, the presidency said on X.

The president also extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the security forces of the country.

SOURCE: AA