Thursday January 18, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) -A cargo plane en route from Mogadishu's Aden Adde Airport and destined for Eelbarde Airport in Bakool State crashed on Thursday morning), killing one person and injuring two others. The plane was transporting food supplies for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). According to reports, the aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction as it approached Eelbarde District, leading to its inability to extend its landing legs. This malfunction resulted in the plane veering off the runway and colliding with a building just outside the airport's perimeter.
Abdifitah Keydsane, the manager of Eelbarde District Airport, informed the media that the crash occurred outside the airport boundary, tragically resulting in the pilot's death. However, the four WFP staff members on board survived.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the United Nations in Somalia expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
At the time of this report, the Federal Government of Somalia has not released an official statement regarding the incident at Eelbarde District Airport in the Bakool Region. The UN disclosed that it is collaborating with the contracted airline, the federal government, and South West State authorities to investigate the crash.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another UN-related aviation mishap. Just a week prior, a UN-contracted helicopter crash-landed in Al Shabaab-controlled territory. The crew, comprising four Ukrainians, two Kenyan nurses, and an Egyptian, were awaiting rescue for an hour before being abducted by Al Shabaab militants.