Sudan Military Plane Crash Results in Rising Death Toll of 46
A Sudanese military aircraft crash in Omdurman has resulted in a death toll of 46, with additional injuries reported. The Antonov aircraft crashed during takeoff from Wadi Sayidna air base. Sudan has a history of aviation-related accidents due to poor safety practices, compounded by ongoing civil war issues affecting the country.
The death toll from a military aircraft crash in Omdurman, Sudan, has risen to 46, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in two decades in the region. The Antonov aircraft went down on Tuesday, impacting a densely populated area and injuring at least 10 individuals, as reported by the Khartoum Media Office. Initially, the health ministry reported 19 fatalities.
The Sudanese military stated that the aircraft crashed during takeoff from the Wadi Sayidna air base, located north of Omdurman—adjacent to the capital, Khartoum. Several houses in the Karrari district were also damaged in the incident, although the cause of the crash remains undisclosed. Both military personnel and civilians are among the deceased, but specific figures were not provided.
The health ministry noted that some victims’ bodies were transferred to a local hospital in Omdurman. Reports from local media indicate that the aircraft was headed to Port Sudan when it crashed above the Al-Thawra neighborhood, creating significant explosions that sent thick plumes of smoke into the air. Allegedly, the aircraft was carrying senior military officials, although the military has yet to confirm this information.
Aircraft crashes are regrettably prevalent in Sudan, primarily due to poor aviation safety standards in the country. For instance, in 2020, a crash involving a Russian Antonov An-12 resulted in 16 fatalities in Darfur. A tragic incident occurred in 2003 when a civilian Sudan Airways flight crashed during an emergency landing, claiming 116 lives, with only one survivor.
Since 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in civil war as conflict escalated between military forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing violence has devastated urban areas and has been marked by severe human rights violations. In recent months, the military has gained ground against the RSF. Notably, the RSF has claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala, South Darfur.
The crash of a Sudanese military aircraft has resulted in at least 46 deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the country’s ongoing issues with aviation safety and the impact of civil unrest. As Sudan grapples with civil war and structural challenges, the tragic repercussions of such incidents underscore the need for improved safety measures and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.nsnews.com
