Tanzanian Precision Air plane crashes into Lake Victoria

A Tanzanian passenger plane has crashed into Lake Victoria as it attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, killing at least three people.

The Precision Air flight was carrying 43 people, 26 of whom were rescued and sent to hospital, the official said.

Both pilots survived the crash but remained trapped in the cockpit and were speaking with local officials.

Rescuers and local fishermen are on the scene trying to rescue those still inside the plane.

Rescuers used ropes to pull the ATR-42 closer to shore, and part of the plane’s body is now above water.

board surrounded by boats

It is unclear how many people remained trapped inside the plane
Immediately after the crash, the aircraft was almost completely submerged, with only the brown and green tail fin visible.

One end of the runway at Bukoba Airport lies right on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.

Top regional official Albert Chalamila said three bodies had so far been recovered after the crash, which was blamed on bad weather.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to those affected and called for calm as the rescue operation continues.

The plane was flying from Tanzania’s largest city Das es Salaam to Bukoba via Mwanza.

Precision Air is Tanzania’s largest private airline and is partly owned by Kenya Airways. It was founded in 1993 and operates domestic and regional flights.