The death toll from a Sudanese military aircraft crash has reached 46 in Omdurman, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Sudan in recent decades. The Antonov aircraft crashed over a populated area and injured at least 10 others. The military’s investigation continues amid an ongoing civil war, exacerbating the nation’s already precarious safety issues.
The death toll from the crash of a Sudanese military aircraft in Omdurman has risen to at least 46 individuals, marking it as one of the most severe aviation tragedies in the nation in the past twenty years. The Antonov plane crashed on Tuesday in a densely populated area, injuring approximately 10 others, as reported by the Khartoum Media Office and confirmed by the health ministry, which initially reported 19 fatalities.
Officials confirm that the aircraft went down during takeoff from the Wadi Sayidna air base, located north of Omdurman, which is adjacent to the capital, Khartoum. The crash also resulted in the destruction of several homes in the Karrari district. Preliminary reports indicate that both military personnel and civilians lost their lives; however, the military has yet to provide specific details regarding the incident’s cause.
According to health ministry reports, some deceased individuals were moved to the Nau hospital in Omdurman. Local sources indicated that the flight was destined for Port Sudan when it crashed in the Al-Thawra neighborhood of Karrari, with witnesses describing loud explosions alongside the emergence of thick smoke.
The aircraft reportedly carried high-ranking military officials, although the military has not confirmed this claim. Aircraft incidents are not uncommon in Sudan due to the country’s subpar aviation safety. A previous military crash in 2020 killed at least 16 people, and a civilian incident in 2003 resulted in 116 fatalities, highlighting the ongoing dangers in Sudan’s aviation sector.
Since civil unrest erupted in 2023 between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, urban devastation has escalated. International bodies have condemned the conflict for numerous atrocities, including war crimes affecting vulnerable populations in Darfur. Current reports indicate that hostilities have intensified recently as the military regains control, while the RSF continues to assert its dominance in the region.
In conclusion, the tragic crash of the Sudanese military aircraft has led to a significant loss of life, escalating to 46 fatalities, and causing injuries among local residents. This incident underscores the precarious state of aviation safety in Sudan, compounded by ongoing civil conflict that has dramatically impacted the safety and stability of the region. The military’s advance against the Rapid Support Forces further complicates an already volatile environment, marking a grim chapter in the nation’s history.
Original Source: www.nsnews.com
