Motorcyclist seriously injured after being hit by Congo Airways aircraft in Lubumbashi

Motorcyclist seriously injured after being hit by Congo Airways aircraft in Lubumbashi
Photo credit: GD Congo

It's not uncommon for aircraft to come into contact with something during the process of taking off or landing - birds would be the most obvious one, as well as runway debris or rubber. 

But this incident in The Democratic Republic of the Congo has to be a first.

Motorcyclist seriously injured after being hit by Congo Airways aircraft in Lubumbashi
Photo credit: GD Congo

A Congo Airways de Havilland Dash 8-400 had just landed when it struck a motorbike which was crossing the runway at the same time.

The flight had come from Mbuji-Mayi to Lubumbashi when the incident took place on Saturday evening (local time).

Motorcyclist seriously injured after being hit by Congo Airways aircraft in Lubumbashi
Photo credit: Congo Airways

The motorbike was written off, and its rider was seriously injured. The tyres of the Dash 8 received damage to its tyres, but none of the 18 passengers or five crew were injured.

DR Congo's Transport Ministry confirmed the incident to local media and said an investigation had been launched.