A Sudanese military aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Wadi Saydna air base in Omdurman, north of Khartoum. The accident resulted in multiple fatalities, including senior officers and crew members.
“The plane caught fire mid-air,” an eyewitness stated. Flames were visible at the rear of the Antonov aircraft before it plummeted into the Al-Thawra neighborhood.
Local authorities confirmed that civilians on the ground were also among the casualties. Three people outside the base died when the aircraft struck residential buildings.
Emergency teams rushed to the crash site to contain the fire and recover bodies. The wreckage was scattered across a wide area, making recovery efforts difficult.
Initial reports suggest the crash resulted from a technical failure. Sudanese military officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission when the incident occurred. Military officials have not disclosed whether the plane was carrying equipment or weapons.
Aviation experts warn that Sudan’s military fleet is aging and requires urgent maintenance. Older aircraft with outdated components are more prone to failures.
“The risks are increasing,” a former military pilot stated. He emphasized that better maintenance protocols and funding could prevent future accidents.
Military aviation accidents have been frequent in Sudan in recent years. A crash in January 2024 killed 16 people, including military personnel and civilians.
Pilots have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of Sudanese aircraft. Mechanical failures have been cited in multiple previous incidents.
The government has pledged to review aircraft safety protocols. Analysts suggest comprehensive inspections and increased funding for fleet upgrades.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion before the aircraft crashed. Some described seeing thick smoke rising from the crash site for hours.
The impact caused significant destruction in the surrounding area. Buildings suffered damage, and debris was scattered across multiple streets.
Military funerals are being arranged for the officers who died. The Sudanese government has offered condolences to the grieving families.
International aviation organizations are monitoring the situation. Sudan may seek foreign assistance to improve its military aviation safety.
Experts argue that Sudan’s aviation issues stem from years of underfunding. Limited resources have led to reduced inspections and a lack of spare parts.
The loss of senior officers is a setback for the Sudanese armed forces. Their leadership roles will be difficult to replace in the short term.
Authorities are urging increased oversight of military aircraft operations. Calls for better pilot training and stricter maintenance checks are growing.
Eyewitnesses have expressed concerns over the safety of flights in Sudan. Many worry that further incidents will occur unless reforms are implemented.
Military officials have yet to provide a timeline for their investigation. The findings will determine whether operational changes are necessary.
The international community has expressed condolences to Sudan. Some nations have offered technical support to prevent future crashes.
The Sudanese military is under pressure to address aviation risks. The incident raises concerns about the overall state of the country’s defense infrastructure.
Aircraft safety failures have caused repeated losses for Sudan’s military. The latest crash reinforces the need for urgent intervention and modernization.
This crash highlights the urgent need for aviation reforms in Sudan. Without immediate action, similar tragedies are likely to occur.
