Narrow Escape in Somalia: All Aboard Safe After Fokker 50 Overruns Runway into the Sea  

MOGADISHU, Feb 10 — All 55 passengers and crew on board a StarSky passenger plane were reported safe on Tuesday after the aircraft overran the runway at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport and tumbled onto the shoreline.

The Fokker 50, operated by the local carrier StarSky, had experienced technical difficulties shortly after taking off from Mogadishu on a scheduled flight bound for Galkayo, officials said.

Authorities confirmed the aircraft was cleared for an emergency landing, but during the touchdown, it veered off the runway, went over a cliff, and came to rest on the beach.

"Rescue teams quickly attended the scene, and all passengers and crew were evacuated without serious injuries," an airport official told Reuters.

Images from the scene showed the aircraft resting on the sandy shoreline just outside the airport’s perimeter fence.

Airport officials said an investigation into the incident is underway to determine the exact cause of the runway overrun. Flight operations at the airport were briefly affected as emergency teams secured the site.

GAROWE ONLINE