At least 21 killed in Congo plane crash

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-16-2008 16:33

Picture Report: 21 confirmed dead in DR Congo plane crashes

At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a passenger plane crashed into a market in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Flames from a wreckage of a passenger plane are seen after it crashed in Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Scores of people were killed when a passenger plane crashed and burst into flames shortly  after take-off Tuesday at Goma in the east of the  Democratic Republic of Congo, airport sources said.  [Agencies]

The Congolese jetliner crashed into a busy market neigbourhood in Goma while attempting to take off on Tuesday. There were about 90 people on board.

The regional governor said up to 75 people had escaped only with injuries, though it was unclear whether they were passengers or passers-by.

He said seven members of the flight crew were among the survivors. The surviving pilots said one of the motors died as they taxied down the runway, and when the pilots tried to brake, a tire also failed.

There are 50 airways operating in the country, and most of their planes are timeworn and lacking maintenance. The European Union has banned all airlines based in the DRC from EU air space.