Tanzania launches investigation into deadly plane crash

The government faces strong criticism from the public over what they say was the administration's sluggish response, which allegedly led to the death of 19 people.

The crash of the plane with 43 people aboard is Tanzania’s first deadly aviation accident in decades.
AFP

The crash of the plane with 43 people aboard is Tanzania’s first deadly aviation accident in decades.

Tanzania has launched an investigation into Sunday’s crash of a passenger plane that plunged into Lake Victoria, killing 19 people, the nation’s prime minister said.

The final report of the probe, which includes experts from multiple institutions, will be made public when the investigation ends, Kassim Majaliwa said during a ceremony to pay last respect to those who perished on Monday.

“After this accident, the steps that have been taken include coordination of rescue operations in collaboration with the people who rescued our brothers and sisters, and rushed them to hospital for treatment, overseeing and providing first aid to those injured, finalising formalities to identify the bodies and share information with the public, and gathering experts for the preliminary investigation on the cause of the accident,” Majaliwa said.

The crash of the plane with 43 people aboard is Tanzania’s first deadly aviation accident in decades.

Meanwhile, the Tanzanian government paid 1,000,000 Tanzanian shillings ($434) to each family that lost their relatives, as well as financing funeral services for those killed in the crash.

Earlier Albert Chalamila, Kagera’s regional commissioner, clarified that the number of people rescued from the crash scene is 24, not 26 as reported earlier.

He said that two rescuers, who were injured during rescue efforts, were mistaken as passengers.

READ MORE: Tanzania: Death toll rises from passenger plane crash

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