At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a passenger plane crashed into a market in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Congolese jetliner crashed into a busy market neigbourhood in Goma while attempting to take-off on Apr. 15. There were about 90 people on board.

The regional governor said up to 75 people had escaped only with injuries, though it was unclear whether they were passengers or passers-by.

He said seven members of the flight crew were among the survivors. The surviving pilots said one of the motors died as they taxied down the runway, and when the pilots tried to brake, a tire also failed.

There are 50 airways operating in the country, and most of their planes are timeworn and lacking maintenance. The European Union has banned all airlines based in the DRC from EU airspace.