The death toll from a recent military plane crash in Omdurman, close to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, has escalated to at least 46, confirmed officials on Wednesday.
The crash involved an Antonov aircraft which encountered a fatal technical failure during takeoff from Wadi Seidna military airport on Tuesday evening. The Sudanese Ministry of Information reported that the casualties comprised 17 military personnel and 29 civilians. Among the deceased was Major General Bahr Ahmed, a prominent military figure in Khartoum known for his significant role in overseeing operations within the capital.
✈️ Death toll from a Sudanese military plane crash in west of Khartoum rises to 46, with 10 people injured people
➡️ Military plane crashed during takeoff in northern Omdurman https://t.co/vkd8QCcdyx pic.twitter.com/7ZbxY1sG65
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) February 26, 2025
While the Sudanese military acknowledged the crash, they have yet to specify the precise cause of the accident. However, insider military sources lean towards a technical malfunction as the likely culprit.
Emergency response teams quickly managed the ensuing fire at the crash site, and ongoing investigations are being conducted to determine the exact nature of the accident. The crash occurs amidst ongoing conflicts in Sudan, particularly involving the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), adding a layer of complexity to the tragedy.
❗️Inferno and debris as military plane crash reportedly claims lives of top officers in Sudan pic.twitter.com/dAdsU4IEld
— RT (@RT_com) February 25, 2025
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in aviation safety within conflict zones and the profound impact such tragedies have on both military personnel and the civilian population in the affected regions.