UPDATE Tuesday, 4 August: Kenya Defense Forces released a statement on the plane crash that occurred on Monday, August 3, providing an update on the personnel on board.
"A KDF aircraft Model: Harbin, Y-12 (II) on routine duties crash-landed at the Dhobley airstrip on take off to Nairobi.
"All the 10 military personnel on board the aircraft are at the Defense Forces Memorial Hospital, Nairobi, in stable condition.
KDF revealed that an investigation team is in Dhobley to establish the cause of the crash
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Dhobley, Lower Juba region in Somalia on Monday, August 3, with the cause of the accident yet to be established.
According to sources in Somalia, the Kenya Defence Force helicopter was on a return trip after delivering supplies to AMISOM sector two.
Somali media also reported that seven occupants of the logistics military plane sustained injuries in the crash including the pilot.
Of the seven, three injured military personnel were airlifted to Nairobi for further medical attention.
The remaining four who sustained minor injuries are being treated at AMISOM Level II Hospital in Dhobley manned by KDF soldiers.
KDF and the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu are yet to release a statement on the Monday crash with details still scanty.
Conflicting news on casualties were reported by Somali media with some indicating that one soldier died while others stated that no casualty was reported.
This becomes the second KDF helicopter to crash in a month, after one suffered the same fate at Kanyonga in Kithyoko, Masinga Sub-county on Monday, July 14.
The number of Kenyan planes also crashing in Somalia have been on the rise with one crashing in Beledweyne, Somalia on Tuesday, July 14 after trying to avoid hitting a donkey on the runway.
Another Kenyan plane has suffered an air accident after crash-landing in Bardere, Gedo region in Somalia on Sunday, July 5, under unclear circumstances.
