On May 9, 2024, a Boeing 737 aircraft, operated by Air Sénégal, caught fire and skidded off the runway at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal. The plane was preparing for take-off on a flight to Bamako, Mali. This incident involved 85 people on board, consisting of 79 passengers, two pilots, and four cabin crew members.

The mishap resulted in injuries to 10 people, with 4 injuries classified as serious. Those injured were swiftly transported to a local hospital for treatment, whereas other passengers were accommodated in a nearby hotel.

Initial reports suggest a hydraulic issue during take-off acceleration might have caused the fire on the aircraft’s wing. Both Air Sénégal and Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, have been approached for further comments on the incident.

This event marks one of several recent troubles for Boeing, which is also facing criticism over alleged manufacturing issues and safety concerns highlighted by a whistleblower. In addition, similar incidents involving Boeing aircraft occurred earlier in the week, including a safe evacuation in Turkey following a tire burst during a landing involving another Boeing plane.

This series of incidents contributes to the ongoing scrutiny over Boeing’s safety protocols and manufacturing processes, impacting its reputation in the aerospace industry.