Five people lost their lives after a Kenyan-registered cargo plane crashed approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.
Reports indicate that the aircraft, a DHC-5D Buffalo operated by Trident Aviation, lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly before the crash.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the crash occurred at around 5:43 PM on Saturday. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to the accident.
In an official statement, the SCAA disclosed that the ill-fated flight had taken off from Dhobley, a town in the Lower Jubba region, and was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu.
“The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirms a tragic aircraft crash 24 km southwest of Mogadishu.
The DHC-5D Buffalo (5Y-RBA), operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, crashed at 14:43Z while traveling from Dhobley to Aden Adde International Airport. Sadly, all five people on board lost their lives,” the statement read.
Unofficial reports emerging from Somalia suggest that four of the five victims were Kenyan nationals.
The DHC-5D Buffalo is a specialized aircraft designed for short takeoffs and landings, making it suitable for cargo transport in rough terrains and remote areas.
Dhobley, a location that supports the African Union’s peacekeeping mission, aligns with this description.
The Horn of Africa has witnessed numerous aircraft accidents over the years, with aviation experts attributing the trend to aging planes, inadequate infrastructure, and challenging flying conditions.
This latest incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in Somalia. In January 2024, another Kenyan cargo plane crashed in the country, killing two crew members. That aircraft was transporting humanitarian supplies for the World Food Programme (WFP) when it veered off the runway.
Later, in July 2024, a domestic flight operated by Halla Airlines crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport while flying from Garowe to Mogadishu.
Two passengers sustained injuries after the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft suffered a runway excursion due to wind shear, leading to the collapse of its landing gear.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest crash, seeking to determine the exact cause of the accident as concerns over aviation safety in the region persist.
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