Tragedy Strikes as Cargo Plane Crash Claims Five Lives Near Mogadishu

A devastating cargo plane crash southwest of Mogadishu has resulted in the deaths of all five crew members on board, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has confirmed. The aircraft, a DHC-5 Buffalo operated by Trident Aviation, went down near the Ceel Xabaaloow area, close to the Jasiira settlement.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, with the plane en route from Dhobley to Aden Adde International Airport. According to the SCAA, the crash took place approximately 24 kilometers from the Somali capital, at around 5:43 PM local time.

Tragically, all five crew members, confirmed to be Kenyan nationals, perished in the crash. The aircraft involved was a DHC-5D Buffalo, with registration 5Y-RBA.

Reports indicate that the plane may have experienced technical difficulties prior to the crash. Emergency response teams, including government agencies, were deployed to the crash site for search and recovery operations.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected,” the SCAA said in a statement, adding that further details would be provided as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the risks associated with aviation operations in the area. Authorities are now focused on thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the precise cause.