According to a statement from Senegal’s transport minister, as reported by AP, a Boeing 737 aircraft veered off the runway at Dakar’s airport, resulting in injuries to ten individuals.
Transport Minister El Malick Ndiaye stated that the Air Sénégal flight, operated by TransAir, was headed to Bamako with 79 passengers, two pilots, and four cabin crew. Ten individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, while the rest have been provided accommodation in a hotel for rest.
A nighttime video circulating on social media allegedly depicts the aircraft, bearing the logo of Senegal-based airline Transair, resting on grass with its wing covered in fire-suppressing foam. The authenticity of the video could not be immediately verified.
The airport authorities at Blaise Diagne airport have initiated an investigation following the incident involving a Transair-owned Boeing 737-300 chartered by Air Senegal. The aircraft skidded off the runway at approximately 0100 GMT (6:30 am Indian time) while preparing for departure to Mali.
Emergency procedures were activated at the airport to evacuate passengers. Currently, the airport remains closed, with plans to reopen expected within the next few hours.
The airport management stated, “For now, the airport is closed… The reopeningof the airport is expected within the next few hours.”
Additionally, Turkey’s transportation ministry reported another incident involving a Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 at Gazipasa airport. The aircraft, carrying 184 passengers and six crew members, experienced a burst tire during landing. The incident occurred during a flight from Cologne, Germany. Although the aircraft landed on its nose, no injuries were reported.
This incident follows closely after a FedEx Express Boeing 767 cargo plane’s emergency landing at Istanbul Airport due to a malfunctioning front landing gear. No injuries were reported, and the crew safely evacuated the aircraft.