UN confirms death of 8 peacekeepers in DR Congo helicopter crash
The United Nations on Tuesday confirmed the death of eight peacekeepers on board the helicopter that crashed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, in a statement, said no one survived the crash.
“With deep sadness we confirm that there are no survivors among the eight peacekeepers who were on board the helicopter that went missing and crashed earlier today in North Kivu.
“A search and rescue operation was undertaken and the bodies of the deceased peacekeepers have been brought to Goma.
“We convey our condolences to the governments and families of the six crew members from Pakistan and the two military staff from Russia and Serbia.
“An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway,” he said.
Earlier at a news conference, Mr Dujarric said rescue operation was underway, after a Puma helicopter lost contact with UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and crashed in the restive North Kivu region.
He said there had been eight people on board, including six crew members – all from the Pakistani military – and two military personnel – one from Russia, and another from Serbia.
“They had been on a reconnaissance mission in the area of Tshanzu, south-east of Rutshuru – the scene of recent clashes between Congolese forces and M23.
“Our thoughts are obviously with the families and friends of those onboard the helicopter, and all of our colleagues of the UN Mission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Nigeria positioned to power clean energy Future: Tinubu
Mr Tinubu expressed his firm commitment to improve the developmental partnership between the European Union and Nigeria.
Africa
Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone roll out malaria vaccines
With the announcement on World Malaria Day, the number of African countries incorporating the vaccines into their childhood immunisation programmes increased to eight.
NationWide
Group urges FG to decongest custodial centres after Suleja jailbreak
”We also call on the public to pay more attention to issues concerning corrections in Nigeria.”
Politics
PDP unveils 200-member campaign council for Edo 2024 guber election
The advisory council has seven eminent members of the state.
Africa
ECOWAS moves to tackle drug abuse in Sierra Leone, other countries
ECOWAS said the workshop was also to support efforts to tackle drug abuse and provide resources and strategies for member states, particularly Sierra Leone.
Lagos
FG to resume resurfacing of Third Mainland Bridge: Official
She said that the exact dates for the renewed construction would be announced soon.