Air Sénégal Plane Catches Fire on Takeoff in Dakar, Injures 10

A Boeing 737-300 operated by Air Sénégal and TransAir skidded off the runway and burst into flames at Senegal's Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar late Wednesday night. The incident resulted in ten injuries, including the pilot, according to Senegal's transport minister.

The plane, carrying 79 passengers, two pilots, and four cabin crew members, was bound for Bamako, Mali, when the incident occurred. Passengers onboard described a chaotic scene during evacuation. Malian musician Cheick Siriman Sissoko, a passenger on the flight, recounted the terrifying experience: "There was complete panic. I saw my life flash before my eyes. Only one emergency slide opened properly."

Another passenger, Ibrahim Diallo, revealed there had been an earlier attempt at takeoff that failed. "The second time we tried to take off, smoke started coming from one of the wings," he said. The cause of the fire and subsequent crash is still under investigation.

Those injured were taken to a hospital for treatment, while other passengers were provided accommodation at a hotel. Air Sénégal has yet to comment on the incident, but social media announcements confirmed rescheduled flights between Dakar and Bamako.

This incident marks the third involving a Boeing aircraft this week. Earlier this week, a Boeing plane in Turkey was evacuated safely after a tire burst upon landing. Boeing has faced increased scrutiny following a series of accidents, including the two fatal crashes of Boeing 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives. In February, the US Federal Aviation Administration gave Boeing 90 days to address quality control issues and meet safety standards.

The plane involved in the Senegal crash, identified as a Boeing 737-38J by the Aviation Safety Network, was delivered in the 1990s. Images show the damaged aircraft in a grassy field, surrounded by fire suppressant foam. One engine appears to be broken apart, and the wing has sustained damage.