Passenger plane plunges into Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Local authorities have confirmed the incident which occurred on Sunday morning at Kagera region, as the plane was about to land at the Bukoba Airport, Tanzania. 

Rescue operations are currently ongoing as local fishermen try to rescue passengers and crew trapped in the plane. 

Local media reports indicate that the flight coming from Mwanza had 49 passengers on board and that the accident occurred due to heavy rain and strong winds witnessed in the region. 

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has asked citizens to maintain calm as the rescue operations continue. 

"Nimepokea kwa masikitiko taarifa ya ajali ya ndege ya Shirika la Precision katika Ziwa Victoria, mkoani Kagera. Natuma salamu za pole kwa wote walioathirika na ajali hii. Tuendelee kuwa watulivu wakati huu zoezi la uokoaji likiendelea huku tukimuomba Mwenyezi Mungu atusaidie," she said in a statement.