BRAZZAVILLE, Aug 26, 2009 (AFP) – A Russian cargo plane crashed on the outskirts of the Congo capital Brazzaville as it approached the country’s main airport, Transport Minister Emile Ouosso said Wednesday.

The Antonov 12, part of the Aeroflot Business fleet, crashed into a cemetery at Nganga Lingolo, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the capital, Ouosso said.

“There were at least three crew members on board. We don’t know if they are all dead,” he added, speaking from the southern city of Pointe Noire, from where the plane had taken off.

Ouosso said he was getting ready to fly to the crash scene by helicopter.

In 2007, the Congolese government banned Antonovs from taking passengers after noting that people were flying regularly on the cargo planes.

Officials at Brazzaville’s Maya Maya airport were unable to say what caused the crash.

Source: AFP