A Sudanese military transport plane crashed in Khartoum, killing 46 and injuring 10. Witnesses reported explosions and damage to homes. The crash, attributed to technical malfunction, occurred during takeoff. This incident follows escalating tensions and military actions between the Sudanese army and the RSF in a devastating conflict affecting millions.
A Sudanese military transport plane crashed into a residential area on the outskirts of Khartoum, resulting in 46 fatalities and 10 injuries, as confirmed by the regional government on Wednesday. The Antonov aircraft went down near the Wadi Seidna air base, marking one of the country’s significant military hubs. The army stated the crash occurred during takeoff, affecting both military personnel and civilians living in the vicinity.
Witnesses reported a loud explosion and extensive damage to several homes, along with power outages in nearby neighborhoods. Emergency services responded quickly, transferring injured civilians, including children, to local hospitals. Initial reports from the army-aligned health ministry had previously listed at least 19 deceased.
A military source attributed the crash to a technical malfunction, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. This tragic incident follows claims from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that they shot down a Russian-made Ilyushin aircraft the previous day in Nyala, South Darfur.
The recent crash coincides with significant military advances by the army in central Sudan and Khartoum amidst a protracted conflict with the RSF. The RSF has recently signed a charter with allied groups in Nairobi, aiming to establish a parallel government in areas under rebel control.
The ongoing conflict, fueled by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamadan Daglo, has led to tens of thousands of deaths and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The fighting has displaced over 12 million individuals, exacerbating hunger and damaging critical infrastructure across major cities.
The Sudanes military transport plane crash resulted in 46 deaths and several injuries, highlighting the precarious situation in Khartoum amid ongoing conflict with the RSF. Technical flaws are suspected as the cause, coinciding with significant developments in the civil unrest spiraling since April 2023, contributing to severe humanitarian consequences.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com