In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials report that, at least 24 people died after a passenger plane crashed into houses in Goma district. Among the victims were residents, including four members of a family.  

Nzanzu Kasivita, regional governor of North Kivu said the small aircraft went down in the Mapendo area upon missing its take-off from the airport on Sunday morning. The officials say that there were 17 passengers and two crew members onboard the aircraft.

Due to low safety standards and poor maintenance, air accidents in DR Congo are relatively common and all commercial airlines from the country are barred from operating in the European Union.

A source at Goma airport told the BBC that the Dornier-228 twin-turboprop aircraft, owned by private carrier Busy Bee, crashed about a minute after take-off.  The aircraft was expected to fly to Beni, north of Goma, 350 km (220 miles).

The cause of the crash is still unknown, but some sources report that the aircraft suffered engine failure right after take-off. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but some sources report that the aircraft suffered engine failure right after take-off.

Rescue workers and local residents hurried to the scene of the crash to rescue the injured and also to recover the bodies. The number of people who were in their homes when the plane crashed was not instantly ascertained.

Governor Kasivita stated that the accident had “cost our fellow countrymen’s lives” and extended his condolences to survivor’s families.