A cargo plane used to provide logistical assistance to the DRC officials has crashed in the forest area in the east of the country, a Reuters report quoted three government sources.

The Antonov 72 aircraft with eight people went off the radars on Thursday, almost an hour after it had taken off from the city of Goma. Besides the crew, it was also carrying President Felix Tshisekedi’s driver and a logistics manager.

The Congolese leader himself, however, was not on board.

The plane was heading towards the country’s capital Kinshasa and reportedly had fuel for a six-hour-long flight. Since it went missing, the authorities have launched a search operation.

There was no immediate information on the number of the deceased or injured. The official statement is expected to be delivered soon.

Credit : Sadc