A Sudanese military aircraft crashed in Omdurman, resulting in at least 46 fatalities and 10 injuries. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Wadi Sayidna air base, and some victims have been taken to Nau Hospital. The aircraft was reportedly on its way to Port Sudan when it crashed over a populated area, causing property damage. Sudan’s aviation safety record has been poor, and the country is currently embroiled in civil conflict, which has aggravated the crisis.
The death toll from a recent crash of a Sudanese military aircraft in Omdurman has tragically risen to at least 46 individuals, marking one of the most devastating aviation disasters in the country in the past twenty years. The Antonov aircraft crashed on Tuesday in a densely populated area, injuring a minimum of 10 others, as reported by the government-run Khartoum Media Office. Initial reports from the health ministry had indicated a lower death toll of 19.
The military stated that the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from the Wadi Sayidna air base, situated north of Omdurman, which serves as a neighbor to the capital city of Khartoum. The crash also caused damage to several homes within the Karrari district, prompting local authorities to respond. Although personnel from the armed forces and civilians perished in the accident, further details regarding casualty numbers and the cause of the crash remain undisclosed.
Government officials disclosed that some victims were transported to the Nau Hospital in Omdurman for identification. Local reports indicate that the aircraft was headed to Port Sudan, the location of the military-backed government, when it tragically crashed over the Al-Thawra neighborhood. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as explosions echoed in the vicinity, accompanied by thick clouds of smoke rising into the air.
According to reports from Sudan Tribune, the aircraft was believed to be carrying high-ranking military officials. Nevertheless, the military has not validated these claims. Aircraft accidents frequently occur in Sudan due to the country’s notably poor aviation safety record; a similar incident in 2020 resulted in 16 fatalities, and a 2003 civilian crash took the lives of 116 individuals.
Since 2023, the nation has been engulfed in civil conflict stemming from escalating tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This ongoing warfare has devastated urban regions, inciting grave human rights violations, including mass sexual violence and ethnic massacres identified as war crimes by international organizations. Recently, the conflict has intensified, with military forces gaining ground against the RSF, particularly in Khartoum.
The RSF has claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, just prior to the recent crash. The added violence within the region highlights the growing instability as security conditions deteriorate further.
The recent Sudanese military plane crash in Omdurman underscores the dire state of aviation safety in the region, resulting in a significant loss of life and numerous injuries. The ongoing civil strife exacerbates this tragedy, with historical aviation accidents and rising military tensions contributing to the volatility. As the situation unfolds, the impact on local communities continues to be profound, necessitating urgent attention and resolution.
Original Source: www.nsnews.com
