A Somali police officer tragically lost his life after being struck by the propeller of a moving aircraft at Dhusamareb Airport, central Somalia. The incident occurred shortly after Mukhtar Qasim Samay, a member of the security detail for Mogadishu Police Chief Ma’alin Mahdi, disembarked from the plane on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that Samay was walking away from the aircraft when the still-rotating propeller hit him on the head, resulting in immediate fatal injuries. Eyewitness accounts and local media coverage suggest that the aircraft, a twin-propeller model operated by STAR AIRLINES, was still in motion as passengers and security personnel exited the plane. A video circulating online captured the chaotic scene, showing a crowd of individuals, including security personnel in military uniforms and others in formal attire, gathering around the aircraft as disembarkation took place.

The footage, which lasts approximately 19 seconds, reveals the aircraft parked on the tarmac at night, with its propellers still spinning as people moved about. As the video progresses, a sudden disturbance among the crowd is visible, indicating the moment of the tragic incident, although the actual impact is not clearly depicted.

Samay was reportedly a member of the Haramacad unit of the Somali Police Force, known for its special operations. Following the incident, Police Chief Mahdi Omar Mumin took to Facebook to express his condolences, describing Samay as a hero of the police force. “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,” Mumin wrote. He further praised Samay’s contributions, stating, “May Allah have mercy on K/S Muqtar Qaasim Samay, who was one of the heroes of the Somali Police force, especially Haramacad.”

The incident occurred just days before the inauguration of Liban Ahmed Hassan, the incoming leader of Galmudug State, for which Mahdi had traveled to Dhusamareb. Local media, including Mustaqbal, reported that security measures had been heightened in the city in anticipation of the inauguration, which is expected to draw political and security officials from across the region.

This tragic event highlights the inherent dangers faced by security personnel in Somalia, particularly during high-profile events. As the community mourns the loss of Officer Samay, calls for enhanced safety measures at airports and during official disembarkation procedures may gain momentum in the wake of this incident.