Air Senegal Boeing 737 Skids Off Runway, Injuring at Least 10

On May 9, 2024, an Air Senegal Boeing 737 carrying 85 people skidded off the runway at Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar, Senegal, during take-off to Bamako, Mali. The incident resulted in at least 10 people, including the pilot, being injured as the plane caught fire, prompting a chaotic evacuation.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of aviation safety and the need for rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols to prevent such accidents. It also underscores the potential risks and consequences of air travel, which affects millions of peopleworldwide.

The flight, operated by TransAir, had 79 passengers, two pilots, and four cabin crew on board when it veered off the runway during the take-off phase. Passengers described the scene as "complete panic" as they scrambled to evacuate the burning aircraft using emergency slides.

The injured, including the pilot, were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the remaining passengers were taken to a hotel to rest and recover from the harrowing experience. The severity of the injuries has not been disclosed, but no fatalities have been reported at this time.

Blaise Diagne International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is the country's largest airport and a major hub for air travel in West Africa. The airport opened in December 2017, replacing the old Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport.

Air Senegal, the flag carrier of Senegal, was founded in 2016 and commenced operations in 2018. The airline operates a fleet of modern aircraft, including Airbus A330s and ATR 72s, serving destinations across Africa and Europe.

The cause of the crash and subsequent fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is expected to be launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Senegalese transport minister, El Malick Ndiaye, confirmed the incident but did not provide further details.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation industry and the public will be closely watching to understand what led to this frightening event and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Air Senegal Boeing 737 skids off runway at Blaise Diagne Airport, Senegal.
• 85 people on board, 10 injured, including pilot, no fatalities reported.
• Plane caught fire during take-off, prompting chaotic evacuation.
• Cause of incident unknown, investigation to be launched.
• Incident highlights importance of aviation safety and rigorous maintenance.