Transair Boeing 737 catches fire, Runway Skid Leaves 10 people Injured

In a harrowing incident at an airport in Dakar, Senegal, Boeing 737 operated by Air Senegal’s Transair skidded off the runway just before takeoff, leaving 10 individuals injured.

The event unfolded late Wednesday, with 85 passengers onboard, bound for Mali. Passengers onboard the flight captured the terrifying moments and shared videos on social media, revealing flames engulfing one side of the plane and the distressing sounds of evacuation.

Transair Senegal Boeing 737-300 (6V-AJE, built 1994) was seriously damaged when it overran the landing runway at Dakar-Intl Airport(GOBD), Senegal. The left wing and engine caught fire but all 73 passengers were able to evacuate alive. There was unspecified number of injuries.… pic.twitter.com/SysgTSL3b8

— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) May 9, 2024

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact count of passengers and injuries, with authorities indicating 78 passengers onboard and 11 wounded, while the transport ministry reported 79 passengers and 10 injuries, including one of the pilots.

Despite the confusion, swift action from the crew allowed for the deployment of side exit ramps, facilitating the evacuation of passengers as the aircraft began to burn. Authorities swiftly responded, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment while providing shelter to others at a nearby hotel.

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, issued a statement expressing readiness to support investigations into the incident. The company referenced Transair for further inquiries, emphasizing their commitment to providing assistance to their customers. Notably, the ill-fated plane had previously experienced a tail issue during takeoff, returning to service a month later.

This incident adds to a string of recent challenges faced by Boeing, including heightened scrutiny following various incidents. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight encountered a mid-flight emergency when a door plug blew out, further amplifying concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance.

As investigations unfold, questions regarding aircraft maintenance, safety protocols, and regulatory oversight are likely to come under increased scrutiny, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring passenger safety in air travel.