Cargo plane catches fire at Dolow airstrip, Somalia

DOLOW, Somalia - A cargo aircraft went on flames on Wednesday afternoon while landing at the dusty Dolow airstrip in Somalia, authorities said, in the latest tragedy involving planes within the Horn of Africa nation.

Reports indicate the aircraft had taken off from Mogadishu, the Somali capital to the restless Gedo region of Jubaland in Somalia. Air transport is considered the safest in Somalia but besides being expensive, it comes with its demerits too.

Photos taken from the scene show a C-160 model of aircraft immersed in smoke within the dusty Dolow airstrip. The aircraft was landing before going on flames along the runaway according to authorities.

A state spokesperson said that the cargo plane belonged to the WFP. The spokesperson said the plane's captain and one crew member made t off-board safely, adding that there were no injuries at the time.

World Food Programme and other government and non-governmental organizations prefer air transport within that Horn of Africa nation. In most cases, Al-Shabaab militants often attack such aircraft while cutting supplies.

For the last year, the country has recorded over 7 incidents of air accidents within Somalia, with most of them being associated with mechanical problems and at times, Al-Shabaab attacks.

But last year in May, an aircraft belonging to Kenya was brought down by Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] serving in AMISOM under unclear circumstances. Ethiopia defended her actions, claiming that the soldiers thought it was being flown by Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE