A military plane crash in Omdurman, capital Khartoum’s twin city, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 46 people, with 10 others injured, according to state media reports on February 26.
The Antonov aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the Wadi Seidna air base on Tuesday evening, resulting in a devastating loss of both military personnel and civilians. Emergency response teams quickly transported the injured, including children, to a nearby hospital.
The cause of the crash remains uncertain, though military officials suggest that a technical malfunction could have been the reason behind the incident. Witnesses reported a loud explosion as the aircraft came down, causing significant damage to surrounding homes. The crash also led to power outages in nearby neighborhoods, adding to the chaos. Among those confirmed dead was a senior army commander, underscoring the profound impact this tragedy has on Sudan’s already beleaguered military.
This crash follows a string of violent incidents related to Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which has raged since April 2023. The conflict, sparked by a bitter power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has devastated large parts of the country. Thousands have been killed, and millions displaced, while Khartoum and Omdurman have been heavily affected by ongoing battles. The war continues to tear Sudan apart, with no clear resolution in sight.