Nineteen people have been declared dead in the Tanzanian passenger plane crash that took place on Sunday, November 6, 2022, with 24 survivors rescued.
The plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania while it tried to land at a nearby airport.
The airline disclosed that the crash was caused by bad weather as Flight PW494, hit the water during storms and heavy rain. The statement said:
“Precision Air regrets to confirm that 19 fatalities and 24 survivors have now been reported by the emergency services at the scene of the accident involving PW-494 which crashed at Lake Victoria in Bukoba today.”
Tanzania’s President thereafter took to social media to call for calm while rescuers worked at the site of a downed plane. President Samoa Suluhu said in his tweet on Sunday.
“I have received with sadness the information of the crash of the Precision Air flight at Lake Victoria, in the Kagera region.
“I send my condolences to all those affected by this incident. Let’s continue to be calm as the rescue operation continues and we pray to God to help us.”
Rescue boats were deployed, and emergency workers continued to rescue other passengers trapped on the plane.
The aircraft departed from Dar es Salam to Bukoba through Mwanza when the storm was encountered, leading to the fatal incident.
Precision Air has clarified that a total of 43 passengers were on board, thirty-eight adults and one infant, with four crew members.
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“The names of passengers and crew on board the aircraft will not be released until all next-of-kin have been notified. Relatives and friends of those who may have been on board are requested to call the special line,” Precision Air stated.
It extended its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the passenger and crew involved in the accident noting that the company will strive to provide them with information and whatever assistance they will require in this difficult time.