StarSky Plane Crash-Lands Off Mogadishu, All 55 Uninjured
A passenger plane operated by StarSky Aviation crashed into the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean shortly after takeoff from Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Tuesday, with all 55 people on board escaping uninjured.
The aircraft, which had departed from Runway 23, encountered technical difficulties as it struggled to gain altitude, according to officials with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority. Eyewitnesses near Jasiira Beach reported seeing the plane flying unusually low over the water before it veered off course during an attempted emergency return to the airport. The plane skipped across the shoreline and came to rest in the coastal area just outside the airport's western perimeter, with one wing appearing detached in images from the scene.
Rescue teams, including airport fire services and security forces, arrived within minutes to assist. "The priority was ensuring there was no post-impact fire, given the proximity to the water," an airport official said. "We are relieved to report that everyone on board was evacuated safely." Video footage captured passengers exiting the aircraft and walking to shore, while locals gathered to watch the response efforts.