Five dead in UPDF helicopter crash in Somalia

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the death of five personnel following a helicopter crash in Somalia on Wednesday morning at around 07:30hrs.

The Mi-24 helicopter, tail number AUO-015, was flying from Balidogle Airbase in the Lower Shabelle region on a routine combat escort mission when it went down near Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.

According to a statement from Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye, director of Defence Public Information, the helicopter had eight people on board, six crew members and two others.

Five of the occupants died in the crash, while the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived with serious injuries and severe burns. They were evacuated to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment.

The crash triggered a fire, which led to the detonation of onboard munitions, causing significant damage to nearby structures and injuring three civilians.

A joint emergency response team, including firefighters from Mogadishu International Airport, the United Nations, and AUSSOM Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel was deployed to manage the situation and support rescue efforts. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.