JOHANNESBURG

At least 11 people were injured on Thursday when a Boeing 737 plane they were traveling in skidded off the runway during takeoff at Senegal’s main airport, authorities confirmed.

In a statement, Transport Minister El Malic Ndiaye said the plane was carrying 79 people, including two pilots and four cabin crew. It was heading to the Malian capital Bamako.

According to local media reports, flights have been suspended at Dakar’s main airport after the plane belonging to Transair operated by Air Senegal skidded off the runway.

The injured were rushed to hospital.

More details to follow.