URGENT: Update on Sudan Plane Crash
As the smoke clears at the airport in Khartoum, officials of different governments are working to find out who exactly was on the plane that crashed today.
It seems a combination of sand and rain may have caused the engine to burst in to flames.
Dozens are dead and several wounded. Click here to read the entire story abou the crash.
Several aid workers fly in and out of Khartoum all the time, so there's a very real possibility that there were foreigners on this flight.
But no matter the nationality, the deaths of these people will send shock waves of grief through many families. Pray for comfort for the families of the crash victims and grace for the survivors.
I just received a special message from the U.S. State Department. Hopefully this message can be of use to the many families who are worried about their families.
Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Khartoum
June 10, 2008
This Warden Message is to alert American citizens of an aircraft accident at Khartoum International Airport. Sudan Airways Flight SD 109 exploded after landing in Khartoum around 2030. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. There are an unconfirmed number of casualties. The US Embassy is monitoring the situation. If anyone has information that an American citizen may have been on the flight, please call the Embassy at 0-183-774-700 and ask to be connected to the consular officer.
Khartoum International Airport is closed until at least 0900 tomorrow, June 11. The US Embassy advises against travel near the airport while the Sudanese authorities are securing the area and providing emergency support.
All citizens living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State's Web site to obtain updated information regarding travel and security within Sudan. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183) 774-700/1/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel (0183) 774-700/1/2/3 (inside Sudan). Americans may call between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or email. For after-hours emergencies, please call 0-183-774-700 and ask to be connected to the consular officer.