TRAGIC

At Least 19 Dead After Tanzanian Plane Crashes Into African Lake

The commercial aircraft hit Lake Victoria as it was preparing to land amid bad weather.

The death toll after a small passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Africa soared to 19 on Sunday night, with Tanzania’s Precision Air updating the number of survivors down from 26 to 24, according to CNN. Carrying 43 people, including two pilots and two cabin crew, the flight was approximately 100 meters away from Bukoba airport when it plunged into the lake below. Officials cited bad weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, as a possible factor in the crash. Family members waiting to receive passengers off the morning flight at the airport witnessed the downing of the plane, according to the BBC. “We were really shocked. People panicked and some started crying and shouting,” he said. “At the arrivals gate people panicked as well - most of them were waiting to welcome their relatives.” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged calm as an extensive rescue mission played out, saying, “I send my condolences to all those affected by this incident.”