An Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft operated by the Algerian Air Force crashed near Boufarik, Algeria, killing all 257 individuals on board. The aircraft had taken off from Boufarik Air Base and was reportedly en route to Tindouf, which is known for its significant military installations. The crash occurred in the early morning shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing the plane lose altitude before it tragically descended into a field, followed by a large explosion upon impact.

The Ilyushin Il-76 was designed for cargo purposes and has been extensively used by various air forces around the world, particularly by those of former Soviet states. At the time of the incident, there were numerous soldiers aboard as well as military equipment, indicating the aircraft's role in supporting military operations. Following the crash, immediate investigations were launched by Algerian authorities to determine the exact cause, with preliminary inquiries hinting at possible mechanical failures encountered during the flight.

Rescue teams were promptly deployed to the site to recover victims and any potential black box recordings from the aircraft. The crash not only raised concerns over aviation safety within military operations in Algeria but also highlighted the challenges faced by aging aircraft fleets in nations reliant on older military technology. In the wake of the incident, discussions about modernizing the Algerian Air Force's fleet became prominent, alongside a renewed focus on aviation safety protocols.