Plane crashes with 55 people on a beach in Somalia; no casualties
A plane with 55 people on board crashed on a beach in Somalia shortly after takeoff, but there were no reported casualties.
On February 10, a Fokker 50 aircraft operated by Starsky Airline, carrying 55 individuals, crashed on a beach in Somalia after experiencing a technical failure shortly after taking off from Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport. The aircraft attempted to return to the airport but veered off the runway during landing, ending up on a beach near the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely with no loss of life, as confirmed by the Director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Moalim Hassan.
The incident has sparked significant media interest, with local residents sharing videos of the crash online. These videos illustrate both the moment of impact and the chaotic aftermath, highlighting the proximity of the beach to the airport, which may have influenced the aircraft's descent. Although there were no fatalities, such incidents raise questions about the safety protocols and mechanical reliability of airlines operating in the region.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the crash, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry given the technical failures reported. The oversight of aviation safety in Somalia has often been criticized, and this incident could prompt further scrutiny of air travel in the nation, particularly how local airlines maintain their fleets and respond to emergencies.