In a devastating incident, at least nine people lost their lives in a plane crash that occurred at Port Sudan Airport in Sudan’s coastal city of Port Sudan. The crash, which took place on Sunday, was attributed to a technical failure in a civilian Antonov plane, as reported by the Sudanese army.

The casualties included four military personnel and five civilians, and tragically, only one child survived the crash, making it a heart-wrenching loss for the affected families and the entire community.

Port Sudan, located in the Red Sea state on the eastern coast of the country, has been under the control of the Sudanese army since the outbreak of fighting in the country 100 days ago. The conflict began on April 15, with clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group in the capital city, Khartoum, as well as in states across western Sudan.

The airport in Port Sudan holds significant importance, being the only operational airport in the country. Its functionality makes the city a crucial transit point for much-needed foreign aid, which is essential in supporting the population amidst the ongoing war.

The war has inflicted an immeasurable toll on Sudan, with a conservative estimate of at least 3,000 fatalities across the nation. The loss of lives, coupled with the devastation caused by the conflict, has left communities reeling and in urgent need of assistance and support.