At least 257 people have died after a military aircraft crashed near the Boufarik airbase, just outside Algiers, on Wednesday morning, according to Algerian state television.
The aircraft, a Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76, was carrying mostly soldiers when it went down shortly after takeoff. Algeria’s defense ministry confirmed that among the dead were 247 passengers and 10 crew members.
Ennahar TV reported that 26 of the victims were members of the Polisario Front, a separatist group advocating for Western Sahara’s independence—a region also claimed by Morocco.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, and an investigation is underway. The defense ministry extended condolences to the families of the victims, and government officials observed a minute of silence in their honor.
“In this painful ordeal, the government members offer their deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” read an official statement from the cabinet.
Local news website Algerie24 reported that the aircraft was bound for Bechar, a city in western Algeria. Images from the crash site showed thick smoke rising as first responders and civilians rushed to assist.
This disaster marks Algeria’s deadliest plane crash since 2003, when an Air Algérie jet crashed after takeoff from Tamanrasset, killing 102 people.
Other military aviation accidents in Algeria’s recent history include:
– **2014:** A C-130 aircraft crashed into Djebel Fertas mountain, killing over 70 off-duty soldiers and their families.
– **2012:** Two military jets collided mid-air near Tlemcen, killing both pilots.
– **2012:** A CASA C-295 military transport plane crashed in southern France while carrying banknote printing materials, killing five soldiers and an Algerian central bank representative.
The Algerian government has vowed a full investigation to determine the cause of the Boufarik crash and prevent future tragedies.
