13 Dead as Military Plane Goes Down in DR Congo

New Delhi, September 26, 2026 At least 13 people have lost their lives after a small military aircraft crashed near Kenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango Province. The fatal accident occurred as the aircraft was attempting to deal with an apparent technical problem during a journey towards the capital, Kinshasa. The aircraft had taken off from Kikwit and was bound for Kinshasa when it reportedly developed a technical issue. An emergency landing was attempted at Kenge, but the plane went down before the manoeuvre could be completed safely. Initial information indicated that all 13 people travelling aboard the aircraft died. Three army officers were reported to be among the victims. The aircraft crashed into a residential plot, while early official accounts indicated that no one on the ground had been killed. Aviation authorities in DR Congo have launched an investigation into the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported technical problem and the aircraft’s unsuccessful emergency landing attempt. The initial casualty figure was placed at 13, although subsequent local reports suggested the toll could be higher. Further confirmation from authorities is awaited as investigators work to establish the cause of the crash and officials verify the final number of victims.