By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Five UPDF soldiers serving in Somalia under AMISOM have this morning, Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 died in a helicopter crash near Mogadishu Airport leaving 5 others in critical condition.
According to Major General, Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF Spokesperson, the tragic incident occurred this morning at approximately 0730 hours.
He says a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter, aircraft tail number AUO-015, crashed approximately 200 metres East of the North Ramp at Mogadishu International Airport.
The helicopter was conducting a routine combat escort mission when the incident occurred.
On board the aircraft were eight personnel, including six crew members.
The impact triggered a 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.
The 05 personnel on board died in this helicopter 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.
Ordinary Somali airport workers led the rescue operation and pulled out 3 survivors from the burning helicopter with their bare hands.
Witnesses also reported hearing explosions within the helicopter, after the crash.
However, a statement by AUSSOM, says the helicopter crash-landed just before touching down at the Aden Abdulle International Airport at Mogadisu while coming from the Balodogle Military base.
It also says, three of the eight people on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia Level II Hospital.
An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
