A tragic plane crash in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of 17 people, including two high-ranking army generals and an infant. The incident occurred on Friday in Kenge, the capital of Kwango province.
The aircraft, which was operated by Tracep, had departed from Kikwit airport at 13:50 local time, bound for the capital, Kinshasa. According to Remy Saki, the vice-governor of Kwango, the plane crashed approximately 15 minutes after takeoff and subsequently caught fire.
Initial reports had suggested a death toll of 13, but the count was revised upward after emergency responders gained control of the blaze at the wreckage site. "Contrary to the initial toll of 13 deaths, we discovered 16 bodies of adults and the body of a baby, bringing the total to 17," Saki confirmed on Saturday.
The Congolese army has identified two of the deceased as Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo, who served as the first president of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-Rene Likulia, the military’s auditor general. Both officials were reportedly traveling on an official mission at the time of the accident.
In response to the tragedy, President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the crash. His office issued a statement on X, in which the President extended "his most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to all the security forces."
