A Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter, aircraft tail number AUO-015, has crashed near Mogadishu International Airport in Somalia, killing five of the eight people on board.
The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. while the helicopter was conducting a routine combat escort mission.
According to a statement released by the UPDF, the aircraft was carrying eight personnel, including six crew members.
The impact of the crash triggered the detonation of onboard munitions, causing significant damage to nearby structures and injuring three civilians.
The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived the crash but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. They were evacuated—along with the three injured civilians—to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment.
Five personnel on board died in the crash.
A joint emergency response team, comprising firefighters from Mogadishu International Airport and the United Nations, along with AUSSOM Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, is managing the scene and supporting rescue operations.
