A Ugandan military helicopter burst into flames after crashing at Somalia’s Aden Adde International Airport — killing five people and injuring several others in a horrifying runway explosion.

The Mi-24 helicopter was returning from a routine escort mission in the Lower Shabelle region when it spiraled into the tarmac and exploded shortly after 7:30 a.m.

 Moment of Impact

The aircraft detonated on contact, triggering secondary explosions from on-board munitions. The resulting blast reportedly destroyed nearby structures and injured at least three civilians on the ground.

“It lit up like a fireball,” said one witness, who described seeing flames erupt over the runway.

 Survivors and Casualties

• 🔹 5 people killed instantly
• 🔹 The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived with serious burns
• 🔹 3 civilians injured by the munitions blast

The crash involved a Ugandan Air Force aircraft operated under the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

 Investigation Underway

Emergency services quickly contained the fire, according to Somalia’s state news agency. Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed an investigation is ongoing into the cause of the disaster.

The wreckage has since been cleared, but blackened debris and scorched soil mark the runway — a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike even routine missions.

 We’re following the investigation and will update with more facts as they emerge.