Omdurman, Sudan – The death toll from a Sudanese military aircraft crash in the city of Omdurman has risen to at least 46, officials confirmed Wednesday, making it one of the deadliest plane crashes in Sudan in the past two decades.

Details of the Crash

The Antonov aircraft crashed on Tuesday in a populated district of Omdurman, also injuring at least 10 people, according to the government-run Khartoum Media Office. Initially, the health ministry reported 19 deaths before the toll increased.

The Sudanese military stated that the plane went down while attempting to take off from Wadi Sayidna Air Base, located north of Omdurman. However, authorities have not yet identified the cause of the crash.

Impact on the Community

The crash caused extensive damage, with several homes in the Karrari district of Omdurman affected. Local residents reported hearing loud explosions, and thick clouds of smoke and dust covered parts of the city.

Reports suggest the aircraft was en route to Port Sudan, the stronghold of Sudan’s military-backed government, when it crashed over the Al-Thawra neighborhood.

The Sudan Tribune reported that high-ranking military officers were on board, though the military has not officially confirmed this.

A History of Aviation Disasters in Sudan

Sudan has a troubling aviation safety record, with frequent crashes due to poor maintenance and outdated aircraft.

• 2020: A Russian Antonov An-12 military plane crashed in Darfur, killing 16 people.
• 2003: A Sudan Airways passenger plane crashed into a hillside during an emergency landing, killing 116 people. Only a young boy survived.

Ongoing Civil War & Rising Tensions

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious paramilitary group. The conflict has led to mass displacement, ethnic violence, and war crimes, especially in the western Darfur region.

Recent clashes have intensified, with the military making advances against the RSF in Khartoum and beyond. On Monday, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur province.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Omdurman crash, while families mourn the tragic loss of life. As Sudan remains in turmoil, the incident raises further concerns about safety and stability in the war-torn nation.

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