A Sudanese military plane crash in Omdurman resulted in at least 46 deaths, with additional injuries reported. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off, affecting nearby neighborhoods. Sudan’s aviation safety record has been poor, and the country is currently experiencing ongoing civil war, leading to increased violence and humanitarian crises.
The death toll from a military aircraft crash in Omdurman, Sudan, has risen to at least 46 people, marking it as one of the most lethal aviation accidents in the country in the last twenty years. The Antonov aircraft went down on Tuesday, injuring at least 10 others, according to the government-run Khartoum Media Office, which initially reported 19 fatalities from the health ministry.
The military confirmed that the plane crashed shortly after taking off from Wadi Sayidna air base, situated north of Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum. Numerous homes in the Karrari district sustained damage from the incident. While the military has stated that both military personnel and civilians were among the deceased, no specific numbers have been disclosed, nor has the cause of the crash been identified.
The health ministry noted that some of the deceased were transported to Nau hospital in Omdurman. Media reports indicated that the aircraft was bound for Port Sudan, where the military-backed government resides, when it crashed in the Al-Thawra neighborhood of Karrari. Witnesses described the sound of explosions and saw thick smoke rising over the city after the incident.
According to the Sudan Tribune, the plane was reportedly carrying high-ranking military officers, though the military has not confirmed this detail. Aircraft incidents occur frequently in Sudan, attributed to a poor aviation safety record. Previous crashes include a military plane accident in 2020 that resulted in 16 deaths and a civilian crash in 2003, which claimed 116 lives over Darfur.
Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since 2023, triggered by escalating tensions between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have resulted in widespread violence and atrocities, particularly in Darfur. Recent months have seen intensifying conflicts, with the military gaining ground against the RSF in urban areas. The RSF also claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in South Darfur on Monday.
In summary, the military plane crash in Omdurman, Sudan, has resulted in at least 46 fatalities and is one of the deadliest in recent history. The incident has drawn attention to Sudan’s aviation safety issues and occurs against the backdrop of ongoing civil conflict, which has resulted in significant humanitarian crises. The situation underscores the need for improved safety protocols and international scrutiny of the conflict’s impact on civilians.
Original Source: www.guelphtoday.com
