In the early hours of Thursday, May 9, 2024, a tragedy was narrowly avoided at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). An Air Senegal flight HC 301, en route to Bamako (Mali), left the runway during takeoff.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. and involved a B737/300 aircraft chartered by Air Sénégal from TRANSAIR. A total of 78 passengers were on board. However, the outcome could have been much more tragic, with 11 injuries recorded, including four serious. According to information received by Africa In Harlem, six other passengers were admitted for medical observation.
The prompt and efficient response of the airport authorities was instrumental in averting a potential disaster. Upon receiving the alert, the emergency plan was immediately activated. Airport emergency services were swiftly mobilized to evacuate and treat passengers, adhering to established protocols.
An official statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport confirmed that the accident was caused by acceleration stopped at the time of takeoff. “Of the 85 people on board, including 79 passengers, two pilots and four cabin crew members, ten were injured, including a pilot,” the document reads.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Land, and Air Transport, Malick Ndiaye, went to the AIBD at the scene of the accident to coordinate rescue operations and ensure care for the injured.
After this incident, the airport was temporarily closed until all necessary measures were taken. It has now reopened.
