CNN
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Several passengers aboard a commercial flight operated by Precision Air that crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania on Sunday have been rescued, according to officials.
Boats with emergency response personnel were deployed to the crash site on Africa’s largest lake near Bukoba airport. It was not immediately known how many passengers were on board or if there were any casualties in the accident.
Speaking locally, Kagera provincial police commander William Mwampaghale said “everything is currently under control”.
“Rescue operations are underway, so far we have rescued several people and eventually we will make sure that we have rescued everyone and brought the plane out of the water,” he said.
“Those who were saved were sent to our referral hospital.”
Video circulating on social media taken by onlookers on the shores of Lake Victoria showed the submerged plane with emergency responders coordinating rescue efforts from nearby boats.
Tanzania’s president took to social media to call for calm as rescuers worked at the crash site.
“I am saddened to learn of the crash of the Precision Air flight in Lake Victoria, Kagera region,” President Samoa Suluhu tweeted on Sunday.
“My condolences to all those affected by this incident. Let us continue to be calm as the rescue operation continues and pray to God to help us.”
Precision Air is a Tanzanian airline based in Dar es Salaam.
This is a developing story – more to come
