Sudanese military plane crashes in Omdurman, killing crew, civilians on ground

February 25, 2025 (OMDURMAN) – A Sudanese military Antonov aircraft crashed in Omdurman, north of Khartoum, on Tuesday evening, killing the crew and several military personnel on board. Eyewitnesses said at least five civilians on the ground were also killed and dozens injured when debris from the plane struck residential areas.

The incident is the second of its kind within 48 hours. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed its air defences had shot down an Ilyushin aircraft belonging to the army in Nyala, South Darfur, but the military has not commented on the claim.

In a brief statement, the office of the army spokesperson said the plane crashed during takeoff from Wadi Seidna airport without providing further details. “We have recorded a number of martyrs and wounded among both military personnel and civilians. The injured have been treated, while fire crews have contained the fire at the crash site in the Al-Iskan area, Block 75,” the statement said.

Military sources, speaking to Sudan Tribune, said the aircraft was en route to Port Sudan and carrying a number of officers, including high-ranking personnel. The sources attributed the crash to a technical malfunction, saying it fell onto a house despite the pilot’s efforts to steer it towards an open area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane was flying at a low altitude, close to rooftops, and emitting loud noises that caused panic among residents.

They said the plane crashed in Block 75 of the Al-Thawra housing area, causing powerful explosions and sending up thick clouds of dust and smoke.

Several supporters of the army mourned Major General Bahr Ahmed Bahr, a commander in the Bahri military area, who was killed in the crash.

Moamen Wad Zainab, a volunteer at Al-Nau Hospital, told Sudan Tribune the hospital had received the bodies of approximately five civilians and was treating dozens of injured people as a result of debris falling in Block 75.