Tragedy Strikes Sudan as Military Plane Crash Claims 46 Lives

The death toll from a military aircraft crash in Omdurman, Sudan, has tragically risen to at least 46, with victims including women and children. This incident marks one of the deadliest plane crashes in Sudan in the past two decades, as reported by officials on Wednesday.

Details of the Crash

The Antonov aircraft went down on Tuesday in a densely populated area of Omdurman, injuring a minimum of 10 others. The Khartoum Media Office, operated by the government, confirmed this tragic event. Initially, the health ministry reported a death toll of 19, but subsequent investigations revealed a much higher number.

The Sudanese military announced in a statement that the aircraft had crashed shortly after taking off from the Wadi Sayidna air base, situated north of Omdurman, which is located adjacent to the capital, Khartoum.

Impact on the Community

This devastating crash resulted in significant damage to several homes in the Karrari district of Omdurman, highlighting the dangers posed by air traffic in heavily populated areas.

The military noted that both armed forces personnel and civilians lost their lives in this accident, but specific figures have not been disclosed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The health ministry indicated that some of the deceased were taken to Nau Hospital in Omdurman for identification and processing. Among the victims were senior military officers, including Maj. Gen. Bahr Ahmed Bahr and Lt. Col. Awad Ayoub, alongside members of the aircraft’s crew.

A military official, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that the casualties included not only soldiers but also several civilians, one of whom was part of a group of five siblings.

Local Eyewitness Accounts

According to local reports, the aircraft was en route to the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, the administrative center of the military-backed government, when it tragically crashed over the Al-Thawra neighborhood in Karrari. Witnesses described hearing loud explosions, the resulting chaos sending clouds of smoke and dust spreading across Omdurman.

A History of Aviation Safety Issues

Sudan has a notorious reputation for aviation safety problems. In recent history, aircraft crashes have become a common occurrence. In 2020, a Russian Antonov An-12 military plane crashed in the western region of Darfur, claiming 16 lives.

A previous disaster in 2003 saw a civilian Sudan Airways plane crash into a hillside during an emergency landing, leading to the loss of 116 lives, including eight foreigners. Remarkably, only one individual—a young boy—survived that tragic accident.

Wider Context of Crisis in Sudan

Tragically, this aircraft incident occurs against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The health ministry reported that over 1,400 people have died due to a cholera outbreak that has affected approximately a dozen provinces in recent months. Since the outbreak began in July last year, the disease has infected around 56,000 individuals.

Among the cholera fatalities, over 70 deaths occurred in two cities within the White Nile province earlier this month. Additionally, the ministry confirmed that more than 2,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease in Kosti and Rabak.

The cholera outbreak was first identified last year during the rainy season, which typically spans from July to October. Heavy rains and flooding have severely impacted eastern regions of the country, especially where millions of displaced individuals have sought refuge.

Contributing to an Ongoing Crisis

This outbreak further strangles a nation already reeling from nearly two years of brutal civil conflict. Since 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war marked by severe tensions between the military and the notorious paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This violent strife has resulted in widespread destruction across urban areas, along with horrific atrocities including mass rape and ethnic killings, which have been classified as war crimes by national and international observers.

The situation has reportedly deteriorated over recent months, with the military gaining ground against the RSF in both Khartoum and surrounding regions.

Earlier this week, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur province, further complicating the tumultuous military landscape.

A Community in Mourning

As the nation faces this dual tragedy of loss from both aviation disasters and a cholera outbreak, communities across Sudan mourn the tragic loss of life. The enduring conflict and resultant instability have profoundly impacted both military and civilian populations, prompting urgent calls for stability and humanitarian support.

Sudan’s citizens continue to hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing hostilities, as well as stronger measures to address public health crises that persist in the wake of such profound hardships.