The death toll from a Sudanese military plane crash in Omdurman has reached at least 46, with additional injuries reported. The Antonov aircraft crashed in a populated area while taking off from Wadi Sayidna air base. The incident has prompted concerns regarding Sudan’s aviation safety record and comes amidst ongoing civil unrest in the country.
The number of fatalities from a Sudanese military plane crash in Omdurman has risen to at least 46, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Sudan in two decades. The Antonov aircraft went down on Tuesday in a densely populated area, injuring at least 10 others. The initial reported death toll was 19 according to the health ministry.
The military disclosed in a statement that the aircraft was taking off from the Wadi Sayidna air base when the crash occurred. Homes in the Karrari district sustained damage due to the impact, further complicating the disaster’s aftermath. While the military acknowledged both armed forces personnel and civilians were among the deceased, it refrained from providing specific casualty figures or the cause of the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, some bodies have been transported to Nau hospital in Omdurman. Local reports suggest that the aircraft was headed to Port Sudan when it crashed over the Al-Thawra neighborhood. Eyewitnesses described hearing loud explosions, followed by clouds of smoke and dust engulfing the area.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying high-ranking military officers, though confirmation from the military is lacking. Incidents of aviation crashes are prevalent in Sudan, attributed to a poor safety record. A notable previous incident includes a 2020 crash in Darfur that claimed at least 16 lives, while a 2003 civilian plane crash resulted in 116 fatalities.
Sudan has been embroiled in civil conflict since 2023 due to escalating tensions between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The United Nations has reported extensive destruction in urban areas and highlighted atrocities that amount to war crimes, particularly in the western region of Darfur. Recently, the military has made slow progress against the RSF in Khartoum and elsewhere. Additionally, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala earlier this week.
The tragic plane crash in Omdurman represents a severe incident in Sudan’s ongoing aviation safety issues, contributing to the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the civil conflict. With at least 46 lives lost and numerous injuries reported, the nature of this accident underscores the risks associated with military operations in the region. The ramifications of this crash come amidst a backdrop of escalating violence between the military and paramilitary forces.
Original Source: www.nsnews.com
