Three people have been reported dead after a helicopter crashed inside the U.N. peacekeeping compound in South Sudan.
The MI-8 helicopter was reportedly carrying Ethiopian soldiers when it crashed on Saturday.
23 people were on board the helicopter with the UN confirming the deaths of three crew members.
The helicopter crashed within the disputed Abyei region on the border between Sudan-South and Sudan.
The two countries are claiming ownership of the area which is rich in oil.
The crash occurred inside the compound serving as home to United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei.
The UN in statement said ten passengers were injured, three in critical condition.
#UN helicopter crashes in #SouthSudan #UNISFA today. My deepest condolences ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/lpZD1K5Z5g
— Andres Molina (@andrezmolinares) February 9, 2019
The actual cause of the crash is still unknown according to the U.N.
UNISFA’s acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Gebre Adhana Woldezgu has said that “We are investigating the incident.”
Woldezgu adds that “We are deeply saddened by what happened this afternoon. We are extending our condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.”
Ethiopia has some 4,500 troops on the ground in South Sudan, news portal arooryomedia reports.
Source: Africafeeds.com
