A Kenyan-registered cargo plane operated by Trident Aviation crashed approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in the deaths of all five Kenyan crew members on board.
The aircraft, a De Havilland Canada DHC-5D Buffalo with registration 5Y-RBA, was en route from Dhobley Airport to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu after delivering supplies to African Union forces. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) reported that the plane lost contact with air traffic control at around 5:43 pm local time, shortly after departing from Dhobley.
Emergency response teams from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) located the wreckage in the Ceel Xabaalbow area, near the Jasiira settlement. All five crew members were confirmed deceased, and their bodies have been transported to Mogadishu.
Local authorities, in collaboration with emergency services and partner organizations, have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The SCAA has extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by aviation operations in the region and highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
