UPDATE - Death toll of DR Congo plane crash climbs to 23

CHANGES TITLE, DECK; UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS FURTHER INFORMATION

By Alaattin Dogru

DAKAR (AA) - At least 23 people lost their lives after a private jet crashed in a residential area in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local news reported on Sunday.

According to reports, a Dornier-228 private jet of local travel firm Busy Bee fell shortly after takeoff, crashing into houses in the city of Goma.

Company officials said there were a total of 19 people aboard, two of whom were pilots.

Joseph Makundi, head of Civil Aviation Protection, said officials retrieved a total of 23 bodies around the crash site.

Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, governor of North Kivu state, noted that the plane left the port with delay.

The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has dispatched rescue teams and fire brigade trucks to the area.

Company officials stated that the plane may have crashed due to technical issues.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas