KEY POINTS
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Somali police officer Mukhtar Qasim Samay killed by a rotating aircraft propeller.
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Incident occurred at Dhusamareb Airport after the officer disembarked.
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The officer was attached to Mogadishu Police Chief Ma’alin Mahdi’s security team.
A Somali police officer has died after being struck by a rotating aircraft propeller shortly after disembarking at an airport in central Somalia.
The deceased, identified as Mukhtar Qasim Samay, was a member of the security detail attached to Mogadishu Police Chief Ma’alin Mahdi. He reportedly served in the Haramacad unit of the Somali Police Force.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Dhusamareb Airport, where Mahdi and members of his security team had arrived ahead of the inauguration of Galmudug State’s incoming leader, Liban Ahmed Hassan.
Somali media reports said Samay was walking away from the aircraft after disembarking when one of its still-rotating propellers struck his head. He died at the scene.
Dalsan TV also reported that the officer was hit by the propeller as he moved away from the aircraft following its landing.
Video captures moments before the tragedy
Footage obtained by PUNCH Online showed a white twin-engine aircraft bearing the inscription STAR AIRLINES parked on the airport tarmac at night, with its propellers still spinning.
A portable staircase had been positioned at the aircraft’s open door as passengers and members of the security team came down.
The approximately 19-second video showed several people, including security personnel in military-style uniforms and individuals wearing formal and traditional clothing, gathered around the aircraft.
Although the footage captured the disembarkation and the confusion that followed, it did not clearly show the moment Samay was struck. The camera became unstable towards the end as people in the crowd reacted to the incident.
Police chief mourns deceased officer
Following Samay’s death, Mahdi Omar Mumin expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Somali Police Force in a Facebook post.
He described the deceased as one of the heroes of the police force, particularly the Haramacad unit, and prayed for his soul.
The officer’s death comes as security preparations were being strengthened in Dhusamareb ahead of Hassan’s inauguration, scheduled for Thursday.
Inauguration expected to attract officials
Mahdi had travelled to the city ahead of the ceremony, which was expected to draw political and security officials.
Dhusamareb serves as the administrative capital of Galmudug, one of Somalia’s federal member states. Local media outlet Mustaqbal had earlier reported increased security arrangements in the city ahead of the inauguration.
