5 killed as plane crashes in eastern Burkina Faso

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – At least five people, including a pilot, were killed and two others injured Wednesday in a plane crash in eastern Burkina Faso, authorities said.

The accident involving aircraft of the private airline Lead Air occurred at around 12:45 local time, Transport Minister Roland Somda said in a statement.

The aircraft “with seven people on board, including crew members,” was headed to Fada N'Gourma from Diapaga airfield when it crashed during take-off, he said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.

The company started operating three months ago, according to local media.

Due to insecurity in the West African country, many areas are inaccessible by road.

Burkina Faso, ruled by a military junta, has been battling an insurgency that spread from neighboring Mali over the past decade, linked to the al-Qaeda and Daesh/ISIS terrorist groups, which has driven thousands of people out of their homes.