Mogadishu — Tragedy struck early this morning when a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter crashed near Mogadishu International Airport, killing five military personnel and injuring six others, including civilians.
The attack helicopter, tail number AUO-015, went down at approximately 0730 hours, roughly 200 metres east of the airport’s North Ramp. According to Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Director Defence Public Information, the aircraft was on a routine combat escort mission when it suddenly crashed, triggering a violent explosion due to onboard munitions.
Among the eight personnel on board, five were killed instantly. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived but suffered severe burns and critical injuries. They were swiftly evacuated to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment.
The explosion also caused significant damage to nearby structures and injured three civilians, who were likewise rushed to the same facility for emergency care.
A joint emergency team—including firefighters from the airport and the United Nations, as well as African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units—was deployed to contain the scene and support rescue efforts.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly released as the military notifies their families. An official investigation is underway to establish the cause of the crash.
Maj Gen Kulayigye extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery. “May the souls of our fallen comrades rest in peace,” he said.
