Seven dead in Uganda cargo plane crash
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
KAMPALA, Mar 9 (AP): A cargo plane caught fire and crashed into Lake Victoria near Uganda's main airport Monday, killing seven people, an army spokesman said.
A Burundian, a Ugandan and a South African were among the dead, Maj Felix Kulaigye said. Four crew members whose nationalities are unknown were also killed.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane catch fire in the air before it crashed into the lake, Kulaigye said. The plane was carrying a cargo of water purifiers, pipes and other equipment, he said.
Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba said a team of police had been sent to the site.
Many airlines in Africa fly old or outdated aircraft and infrastructure is often not properly maintained. Some airlines are banned from flying in Europe.
A Burundian, a Ugandan and a South African were among the dead, Maj Felix Kulaigye said. Four crew members whose nationalities are unknown were also killed.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane catch fire in the air before it crashed into the lake, Kulaigye said. The plane was carrying a cargo of water purifiers, pipes and other equipment, he said.
Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba said a team of police had been sent to the site.
Many airlines in Africa fly old or outdated aircraft and infrastructure is often not properly maintained. Some airlines are banned from flying in Europe.