Medical plane from Burkina Faso crashes off Senegal, 7 missing

A medical evacuation plane with seven people on board has reportedly crashed west of Senegal during a flight from Burkina Faso to Dakar. Senegal's civil aviation authority said on Sunday the private plane, operated by Senegalair, which had taken off from Ouagadougou, disappeared from radar screens at 7:08 p.m. (1908 GMT) on Saturday 118 km (74 miles) west of the Senegalese capital.

Senegal's armed forces are conducting a search for the plane, the authority said in a statement. The plane was carrying a French patient, three crew members and medical staff, including a doctor and two nurses. Nationalities of those on board included two Algerians and a citizen of Congo, although the aviation authority did not specify whether it referred to the Democratic Republic of Congo or Republic of Congo. 

The plane, chartered by SOS Medicin Senegal, left Ouagadougou at 4.30 p.m. (1630 GMT), Burkina Faso's Minister of Transport, Daouda Traore, told Reuters. Ouagadougou is around 1,700 km (1,080 miles) southeast of the capital city Dakar. Dakar features the Medina district with its interesting traditional theme as well the esteemed Musee Theodore Monod, which displays unique African art. Senegal is located on Africa’s west coast and is known for its heritage and natural attractions.