DR Congo plane crash kills 37

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

GOMA, DR Congo (AFP) — A plane that crashed into a market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 37 people, developed engine trouble after going through water on the runway, aviation sources said Wednesday.

As rescuers battled to put out the final flames of the DC-9 jet crash in Goma, capital of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, airport sources said the troubles started as the jet hurtled toward its take-off.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported the Hewa Bora Airlines crew as saying the plane developed mechanical problems after going through a puddle on the runway. They said the pilot decided to carry on before suddenly braking and losing control.

The runway at Goma airport was damaged by lava during a 2002 eruption of a...