At Least 55 Dead -- Antonov Wreckage Found

When search teams in Equatorial Guinea finally came upon the wreckage, their worst fears were confirmed: At least 55 people aboard an Equatair-owned Antonov AN-32 were killed Saturday when the aircraft went down on a flight from Malabo to Bata.

"There are no survivors. The plane crashed in the trees and is completely burned," Information Minister Alfonso Nsue Mokuy told the Associated Press. He said there were 60 people on board, but authorities have so far only confirmed 55 deaths.

As ANN reported in real-time Saturday, the aircraft disappeared shortly after departing the airport at Malabo. The wreckage was found about 18 miles from the airport.

As is often the case in trying to discern the real story on African aviation, the information is confusing and sometimes contradictory. For instance, Reuters and AP both report the aircraft involved was an AN-32. The South African Press Association reports it was an AN-24 (above). Where initial reports showed the death toll at 35, later reports indicated more people were on board and perished in the crash. Passenger manifests are often non-existant on African charter flights -- especially domestic flights.

FMI: www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ek.html