According to the DR Congo Red Cross Society, at least 33 people died and some 115 people were injured. Numbers are still likely to rise. Several local residents from the Birere district are among the victims and are being treated in nearby hospitals. (p17
Moustapha Diallo
On Tuesday, a Hewa Bora Airlines DC-9 airplane caught fire shortly after take off and crashed into the commercial district of Birere in the city of Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the DR Congo Red Cross Society, at least 33 people died and some 115 people were injured. Numbers are still likely to rise. Several local residents from the Birere district are among the victims and are being treated in nearby hospitals.
“Some 35 Red Cross volunteers immediately went into action as soon as the crash happened to evacuate and help the wounded,” explains Alphonse Mulowayi, DR Congo Red Cross communications manager.
“Volunteers are still working to search for unaccounted people in the wreckage,” he adds.
Some 90 passengers and crew members were on board the aircraft.
DR Congo Red Cross, along with other agencies, is also evaluating the extent of damages and additional needs of the victims. Other organisations represented include the UN mission in DRC, civil protection, the armed forces and the police.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies office in Kinshasa has been on alert since the crash happened. It is monitoring the situation and ready to provide additional support to the DR Congo Red Cross Society.