A Precision Air passenger plane crashed in Lake Victoria as it was en route to Bukoba Airport. According to reports, the plane crashed at a distance of 100 meters from the airport. Local media reports suggest that 43 people were on board the plane. However, it is not known whether anyone was injured in the collision that took place on Sunday. News broadcasts displayed images and photos on Twitter that showed the plane mostly submerged in the lake. The airline has confirmed that rescue operations are underway, and rescue teams are still working to rescue passengers trapped in the deadly plane belonging to Precision Air.
Al Jazeera reported that 39 of the 43 people on board were passengers, while two were pilots and two crew members. Of all the 43 people, 26 have been rescued and taken to hospital. Apart from this, the rescue team is talking to the pilot during the rescue operation. Reports quoted officials as saying, “Everything is under control.”
The Precision Air plane crash occurred because the aircraft encountered problems in mid-air due to bad weather. As storms and heavy rain were reported in the area near Lake Victoria at the accident site.
notice to the public pic.twitter.com/QvdMGeMynq— Precision Air (@PrecisionAirTz) 6 November 2022
Addressing the statement, Precision Air has issued a statement, “Precision Air flight number PW 494, while flying from Dar es Salaam to Bukoba, was involved in an accident as it was approaching Bukoba Airport. . Rescue teams have been sent to the spot, more details will be released in 2 hours time.”
pic.twitter.com/Lcw6CvYrs3— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) 6 November 2022
Expressing condolences over the incident, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu tweeted, “I am sorry to hear about the Precision Corporation plane crash in Lake Victoria, Kagera region. I extend my condolences to all those affected by this accident. As long as we ask Allah to help us, let us keep calm while the rescue operation continues.” (translated into English)
Precision Air is a publicly listed airline en Tanzania, serving more than 10 destinations in and outside the country. Based on the information on the company’s website, the airline has five 70-seater ATR 72-500, three 48-seater ATR 42-500 and one 48-seater ATR 42-600 aircraft.
With input from agencies