Boeing 737-300 Crash in Senegal Injures 11 During Takeoff

Dakar, Senegal - A Boeing 737-300 aircraft operated by Air Senegal crashed during takeoff at Dakar's Blaise Diagne Airport early Thursday morning, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals, four of whom suffered severe injuries.

The flight, numbered HC 301, was en route to Bamako, Mali, when the incident occurred, leading to a temporary suspension of operations at the airport.

The aircraft, carrying 78 passengers, veered off the runway around 0100 GMT. Despite the severity of the incident, most passengers were not injured.

The pilot sustained slight injuries. Emergency services quickly mobilized to evacuate passengers and crew from the scene.

An official investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash. Both Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, and Transair, the private company from which Air Senegal had chartered the plane, have yet to comment on the incident.

This crash adds to a growing concern over safety issues related to Boeing aircraft. In a separate incident, an unused door blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max in January in the US, which has also led to a criminal investigation.

Additionally, allegations have surfaced from a former quality inspector at Boeing's largest supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, claiming that aircraft bodies frequently leave the factory with serious defects—an allegation the company has strongly denied.

The series of incidents has put Boeing under intense scrutiny as it faces a deepening crisis over its safety record. The ongoing investigations into these incidents are closely watched by the aviation industry and regulatory bodies worldwide.