7 dead in Uganda cargo plane crash

KAMPALA, UGANDA // Seven people were killed after a cargo plane caught fire and crashed into Lake Victoria near Uganda's main airport today. An army spokesman, Major Felix Kulaigye, said a Burundian, a Ugandan and a South African were among the dead. Four crew members whose nationalities are unknown were also killed. Major Kulaigye said eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane catch fire in the air before it crashed into the lake. It was carrying a cargo of water purifiers, pipes and other equipment, he said. Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba said the plane crashed near Bugunga Island and a team of police had been sent to the site. An official from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Vianny Lugya, said the minister of transport will issue a statement shortly.

Air crashes are not unusual in Africa, where many airlines fly old or outdated aircraft and infrastructure is often not properly maintained. Some airlines are banned from flying in Europe. * AP