A Boeing 737 carrying 73 terrified passengers had a horrifying skid off the runway when its wing dangerously ignited within moments of take-off.
The shocking scenes unfolded at Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar, Senegal, when the aircraft’s left wing and engine suddenly burst into flames due to a hydraulic problem during acceleration.
Footage captured the chilling aftermath, showing a blanket of fire-suppressant foam engulfing the beleaguered Transair plane’s wing.
More gut-wrenching still are the images of the charred aircraft embedded in the dirt, with a gaping hole visible in the now foam-covered aflame left engine.
Approximately 11 people were injured as 73 passengers scrambled for safety, while four are said to be severely wounded. As a consequence, all flights have been suspended at Senegal’s largest airport.
A company operating domestic and international routes, Transair is based out of Blaise Diagne airport.
Global aviation watchdog Jacdec announced via Twitter: “Flight #HC301 on behalf of Air Senegal from Dakar to Bamako experienced a hydraulic issue during acceleration for take-off on runway 01 resulting in a runway excursion. 11 of the 78 people on board sustained injuries.”, reports the Mirror.
This horrifying incident follows hot on the heels of another Boeing tragedy, where a FedEx-operated 767 cargo plane catastrophically crashed upon landing in Turkey after a landing gear malfunction.
It’s truly devastating to hear about yet another Boeing incident. Safety should always be the top priority in aviation to prevent such catastrophic events from reoccurring.