Authorities confirm that five people lost their lives in an aircraft crash near Mogadishu.

 Authorities confirm that five people lost their lives in an aircraft crash near Mogadishu.

At least five people lost their lives when a DHC-5D Buffalo aircraft crashed about 24 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu on Saturday evening, Somali aviation authorities confirmed.

The aircraft, registered as 5Y-RBA and operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, was traveling from Dhobley Airport (HCDB) to Aden Abdulle International Airport (HCMM) when it went down at approximately 5:43 p.m. local time (14:43Z), according to a statement from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

“All five individuals on board tragically perished,” the statement read. “Our deepest condolences go out to their families and loved ones.”

Emergency response teams, including Somali government agencies and international partners, were swiftly deployed to the crash site to carry out search and recovery efforts.

The DHC-5D Buffalo, originally designed for military and humanitarian missions, is recognized for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, making it suitable for operations in remote and underdeveloped areas.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and aviation authorities have stated that further details will be provided as more information emerges.