Aid plane run by Va.-based nonprofit crashes in Congo; 17 feared dead

[Blue_Tires]

Source: The Richmond Times Dispatch

GENEVA -- A humanitarian aid flight carrying 17 people crashed on a ridge in eastern Congo, and the U.S.-based group that operated the route said Tuesday there appeared to be no survivors.

The Beechcraft plane disappeared in bad weather late Monday with two crew and 15 passengers on board, a spokeswoman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

It was found today about 9 miles northwest of the airstrip at Bukavu in eastern Congo, its intended destination, Elisabeth Byrs told journalists in Geneva.

"Rescuers are on site," she said, adding that she had no confirmation of casualties. The identity of the passengers and crew was not immediately disclosed.



Read more: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-09-02-0165.html

[undeterred]

1. No Sign of Survivors in DRC Aid Plane Crash

Source: Voice of America News

A humanitarian aid flight carrying 17 people has crashed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the U.S.-based group that operated the plane says there appears to be no survivors.

The United Nations confirmed the crash, saying the plane was spotted Tuesday on a mountain about 15 kilometers northwest of the town of Bukavu, near DRC's border with Rwanda. On Monday, the U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported the Beechcraft plane missing.

Air Serv International, which operated the plane, says it was piloted by two crew members and carried 15 passengers. It says aerial survey by a helicopter indicates there are "no known survivors."

Air Serv carries humanitarian workers to sites within the DRC and other countries.


Read more: http://voanews.com/english/2008-09-02-voa11.cfm

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This is a terrible tragedy.

[liberalmuse]

2. Yes it is.

I feel bad for their friends and families. And the people they were going to help. What a loss. :(