Get you up to speed: Plane crash in DR Congo kills more than a dozen
A Congolese army plane crashed into a residential area in Kenge, Kwango province, killing at least 14 people, including senior military officials. The plane was en route from Kikwit to Kinshasa when it developed a technical fault and attempted to land without a strip, leading to the fatalities as confirmed by Major-General Efomi Ekenge.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash, as aircraft operations remain suspended pending findings. In addition to the military officials, at least two civilians were among those confirmed dead in the incident.
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the plane crash that claimed 14 lives, including senior military officials, according to Major-General Efomi Ekenge. The deputy governor of Kwango, Remy Saki Bokinda, highlighted the lack of a landing strip in Kenge as a significant factor in the disaster, which underscores ongoing challenges in the region.
What remains unclear — The exact cause of the plane’s technical fault that led to the crash has not been disclosed.
Plane crash in Democratic Republic of the Congo claims 14 lives
News|AviationPlane crash in DR Congo kills more than a dozen
Civilians and senior military officials among 14 dead after an army plane crashes into a residential area in the DRC.
Published On 26 Sep 202626 Sep 2026
Published On 26 Sep 202626 Sep 2026At least 14 people, including senior military officials, were killed on Friday when a Congolese army plane crashed in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The plane was travelling to the capital, Kinshasa, from the southwestern city of Kikwit on Friday when it developed a technical fault and attempted to land in Kenge, in Kwango province.
Remy Saki Bokinda, deputy governor of Kwango, said: “With no landing strip available in Kenge, the plane crashed into a residential plot.”
Congolese military spokesperson Major-General Efomi Ekenge said 14 people had died in the crash.
“All those on board died; 12 were burned beyond recognition, while the pilot’s lifeless body was found outside the aircraft,” he said.
According to the military, among those killed were civilians and members of an official delegation travelling with the two generals, along with other military personnel.
Bokinda also said most of the bodies were burned beyond recognition and the pilot was found dead outside the wreckage.
An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident, Ekenge said.
The DRC, a vast, mineral-rich country in central Africa, has endured decades of conflict, particularly along its eastern border with Rwanda, where several armed groups compete for control of lucrative mining areas.
The Congolese military has been battling a number of rebel groups that have claimed key cities in the country since last year.