Fatal freighter crash in the Congo

A TRANS Air Congo An-12 freighter has crashed in the Republic of Congo killing at last 16 people onboard.

The cargo aircraft crashed into several buildings in the Mvou Mvou suburb of the Congo Republic city of Pointe-Noire when it was attempting to land at the airport in the coastal city.

Reports suggest that there were about 32 people, including illegal passengers, on board the aircraft when it crashed, but only 16 deaths have been confirmed so far.

In 2009 an Antonov freighter crashed in the suburbs of Brazzaville, prompting the Congolese government to ban the use of Antonov aircraft as passenger planes.

Now allegations surface that passengers often have no seats and have to squat on the floor amid loaded cargo, improving the profitability of flights.

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