A cargo aircraft crashed southwest of Mogadishu on Sunday, killing all five people on board, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has confirmed. The tragic incident occurred approximately 24 kilometers from the Somali capital at around 5:43 PM local time.
The ill-fated aircraft, a DHC-5D Buffalo operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport from Dhobley when it went down. The plane, identified by serial number 109 and registration 5Y-RBA, was reportedly on a routine flight when the accident happened.
Government agencies and emergency responders were immediately deployed to the crash site to conduct search and recovery operations. Somali authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, but no preliminary findings have been released.
SCAA released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected,” the statement read, assuring the public that further details would be provided as investigations continue.
Aviation experts have noted that the DHC-5D Buffalo is a rugged aircraft often used for cargo and military operations. However, the circumstances surrounding this particular crash remain unclear.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Somalia’s aviation sector, where logistical and security concerns continue to pose risks to air travel. Authorities are expected to review operational safety measures and conduct thorough assessments to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This tragedy comes at a time when Somalia has been working to enhance its aviation safety standards and improve air transport reliability. The loss of five lives in this accident is a significant blow to the country’s aviation community, and stakeholders will be keenly awaiting the findings of the investigation.
As the nation mourns, aviation regulators and safety experts will need to collaborate to identify any possible mechanical or operational failures that may have contributed to the accident. The Somali government has assured the public that it remains committed to uncovering the truth behind the crash and implementing necessary safety measures.
