Lorcan O'Colmáin Murray
Jul 14, 20201 min
A Kenyan DHC-8 aircraft has crashed and burst into flames at Beledweyne airport in central Somalia. The charter plane was carrying cargo supplies from Djibouti airport.
An image from the scene shows the aircraft in flames. Photo by unknown.
The Kenyan de Havilland Canada Dash 8 took off from Djibouti airport (HDAM) on route to Beledweyne airport (HCMN) when it crashed and burst into flames while landing at Beledweyne airport in Somalia. The distance between the two airports is approximately 790 kilometres (494 miles).
There were 3 crew members onboard the Dash 8 at the time of the crash and local media reports that all 3 crew members survived and are safe. Airport officials told the Somali Times that the plane crashed carrying essential supplies.
Other media also report that this aid was for people in the flood-affected region of Hiran. The cause of the accident is still unknown.
The aircraft was on lease to the United Nations and a full investigation will be carried out in due course. This is a developing story.
UPDATE (18:01 UTC, 14/07/2020): The aircraft involved is said to be a DHC-8-400 registered 5Y-VVU, operated by Blue Bird Aviation. The aircraft was built in 1999.