Russian An-26 plane crashes in Congo

At least 39 people are reported dead after a cargo plane slammed into a residential area in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least three Russian citizens, who were crew members, are among the dead.

It's believed 27 people were on board the plane.  

The An-26 aircraft came down in a crowded market neighbourhood, located close to the airport in Kinshasa.

Despite initial claims all those on board the flight were killed, there are reports of some survivors.

“One person has miraculously survived – a citizen of Congo. He has been taken to hospital. During the take-off, one of the propellers fell off. While trying to level itself out, the plane grazed some trees, lost its wing, and crashed into a residential neighbourhood. A fire is still raging at the crash site,” says Aleksandr Turchinovich, the head of the Consular Department at the Russian Embassy in Congo.
 
Local police working at the scene claim five bodies have been spotted in the rubble.