A Somali police officer, Mukhtar Qasim Samay, has died after being struck by a moving aircraft propeller shortly after disembarking at Dhusamareb Airport in central Somalia.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when Samay, who was attached to the security detail of Mogadishu Police Chief, Ma’alin Mahdi, reportedly walked away from the aircraft while its propeller was still rotating.
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Somali media reports said the propeller struck his head, killing him at the scene.
Mahdi and members of his security team had travelled to Dhusamareb ahead of the inauguration of Galmudug State’s incoming leader, Liban Ahmed Hassan, scheduled for Thursday.
A video obtained by PUNCH Online showed a white twin-propeller aircraft bearing the inscription STAR AIRLINES parked on the airport tarmac at night, with its propellers still in motion as passengers disembarked.
The approximately 19-second footage showed a portable staircase attached to the aircraft’s open door, while several men, including security personnel in military-style uniforms and others in formal and traditional clothing, gathered around it.
The shaky and grainy recording captured people moving around the aircraft as passengers came down the stairs.
Towards the end of the footage, there was a sudden movement among members of the crowd, followed by camera movement and blurred images.
However, the video did not clearly capture the fatal impact.
Somali broadcaster Dalsan TV had earlier reported that Samay was struck on the head by the rotating propeller as he walked away from the aircraft after landing.
The deceased was a member of the Somali Police Force and reportedly served in the Haramacad unit.
Following his death, Mahdi Omar Mumin expressed condolences to Samay’s family, friends and colleagues in a Facebook post.
“Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raajicuun. I send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and all the Somali Police Forces, the shocking death that happened to them,” he wrote.
He described Samay as one of the heroes of the Somali Police Force, particularly the Haramacad unit.
“May Allah have mercy on K/S Muqtar Qaasim Samay, who was one of the heroes of the Somali Police force, especially Haramacad,” he added.
Dhusamareb, the administrative capital of Galmudug, is expected to host political and security officials for Hassan’s inauguration.
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Local media outlet Mustaqbal had earlier reported that security arrangements were being strengthened in the city ahead of the ceremony.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
