40 dead in Congo airliner crash

Goma: At least 40 people have died after a Congolese airliner careened off a runway in the city of Goma.

An investigation is under way into the cause of the crash.

The DC-9 plane, which was carrying about 80 people, was trying to take off before bursting into flames and crashing into a crowded market neighbourhood.

Airline officials said most of those on board survived the crash.

Medics said 113 people had been injured and were being treated in local hospitals and clinics.

The aircraft appeared to have broken in two when it slammed into the rooftops of about 10 cement homes just outside the airport, destroying them instantly.