Death toll could exceed 200 in Congo air accident

More than 200 people may have been sucked out to their deaths when the rear door of huge Russian transport plane accidentally…

More than 200 people may have been sucked out to their deaths when the rear door of huge Russian transport plane accidentally fell open in mid-flight over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a source at Kinshasa airport said yesterday.

"We have seen this type of aircraft take more than 300 people on board during troop flights," said the source, adding that the death toll from the accident would certainly exceed the initial estimate of 160.

The Ilyushin 76 plane - which began service in the Soviet era in 1971 - had been travelling from the capital Kinshasa to the southeastern city of Lubumbashi Thursday night when its rear ramp door flew off.

DRC air force sources said between 23 and 50 had survived.

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Military sources and witnesses said on Friday that up to 160 people were killed after being sucked out at 2,200 metres (7,000 feet) above the ground, while 40 others survived, but the government had by yesterday confirmed only seven deaths.

The crew managed to turn the plane around and fly back to the capital, where it was transferred to a military hangar.

The plane was left with "a gaping hole in the cabin," according to an AFPcorrespondent who climbed aboard after it landed in Kinshasa.

AFP