South Africa's military plane crash-lands in DR Congo

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - A South African air force plane crash-landed and caught fire on Thursday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) said.

The C-130BZ military aircraft with 59 passengers and eight crew members on board was returning from the UN mission in Beni when its left engine caught fire upon landing, Mathias Gillman, acting spokesperson for MONUSCO told UN Radio Okapi.

“There were no casualties. MONUSCO's emergency services intervened to contain the fire and everyone was evacuated safely with no major injuries reported,” said Gillman.

The plane had transported logistical support to the South African contingent deployed in the region, according to the media report.

South Africa is among the top five troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping force in Congo.

Last November, a small civilian plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Goma, killing 26 people, including all occupants and residents on the ground.

The 19-seat plane owned by private carrier Busy Bee was destined to Beni.