Another four bodies were found on Tuesday after a cargo plane Antonov crashed into the outskirts of the city of Pointe-Noire in Congo, raising the toll to 23, including a Russian crew of four.

The plane slammed into a working-class quarter as it was landing on Monday, destroying several small houses.

In addition to the 19 bodies recovered yesterday, we have found four more today, Pointe-Noire Mayor Roland Bouiti-Viaudo told AFP.

There were four Russians – two pilots and two mechanics – on the Trans Air Congo (TAC) plane, Director General of the National Civil Aviation Agency Michel Ambende said. Five passengers were also on the plane, police said.

According to officials, 14 people were injured on the ground when the plane struck Mvou Mvou district, while residents told AFP that some 20 homes were destroyed.

Rescuing teams are searching the rubble for more victims.

Ambende said that a special commission will meet on Tuesday to determine the cause of the plane crash.

The aircraft that crashed was an Antonov, a type of plane owned by many African nations that is no longer allowed to carry passengers. Some crews, however, still allow clandestine passengers aboard, with money compensation.

Ambende added that the plane was almost empty, carrying about 750 kg of meet.