Two dead after UPDF helicopter crashes in Gomba

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF helicopter has crashed on a training mission in Bulo in Gomba district.

“We regret to inform that a UPDAF Jet Ranger on a training mission has crashed. It had two crew members. Sadly, no one has survived. Investigation into the cause has   started,” said Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Brigadier General, Richard Karemire.

Brig. Gen. Karemire, says investigations into the cause of the crash of the Jet Ranger AF302 have commenced. “We offer our condolences to the family members and entire UPDF fraternity,” said Brig. Gen. Karemire.

The Deputy Defense Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki told URN that they are still gathering information on the incident though residents of the area where it came down, said they thing it was because of bad weather.

URN later established from UPDF sources that those killed in the crash were Major Naomi Karungi, a UPDF Helicopter pilot and Benon Wakalo, a cadet pilot.

A team of UPDF officers led by Major Edward Birungi, the Air Defense Spokesperson dashed to Ndeese hill in Ndeese village to secure the remains of their comrades.

Major. Birungi told reporters that the officers were heading to Kabamba for a joint training exercise for air defense forces.

He declined to comment about the possible cause of the crash, saying the army will issue a statement after investigations.

However, Baker Kiyonga, an eye witness, said that he saw the chopper about 11.00am heading for the hill in zigzag motion during a heavy down pour before he heard a very loud bang shortly after.

The bodies of the crew members were also crashed beyond recognition. The tiny remains of the soldiers were picked up by another chopper later in the evening.

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URN