This morning at approximately 0730 hours, a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter, aircraft tail number AUO-015, crashed approximately 200 metres East of the North Ramp at Mogadishu International Airport.
According to the army Spokesperson Major General Felix Kulayigye, the helicopter was conducting a routine combat escort mission when the incident occurred.
“On board the aircraft were eight personnel, including six crew members but 05 personnel on board died in this helicopter crash.” Maj Gen Kulayigye stated.
The video of the crash showed firefighters battling a huge fireball at the site of the accident and Kulayigye said the impact triggered a detonation of onboard munitions, causing significant damage to nearby structures and injuring three civilians.
The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived the crash but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. They were evacuated, along with the three injured civilians, to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment.
“An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Quick recovery to the Injured and May the souls of the deceased comrades Rest in Peace.” He said in a statement.
