Plane carrying 68 passengers crash lands
An Enugu Air aircraft crash landed after overshooting the runway while landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, causing panic among passengers, airport workers and residents living near the airport.
Despite the incident, everyone on board was safely evacuated and no deaths or injuries were reported.
The aircraft, an Embraer E170 operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin, went beyond the end of Runway 05 after touchdown.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board, making a total of 68 people on the aircraft.
All occupants were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
Emergency teams quickly moved to the scene, secured the aircraft and temporarily disrupted flight activities at the airport while safety officials began their work.
Enugu Air confirmed that all passengers and crew members left the aircraft safely.
The airline said the aircraft has been secured and the necessary aviation authorities have been informed.
It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the crash landing is ongoing.
The airline also warned that the incident could lead to temporary changes to some flight schedules.
It said passengers affected by any schedule changes would be contacted directly and given the needed support.
Residents living close to the airport said they heard a loud bang before rushing outside to see the aircraft.
Some claimed they noticed an object fall from the plane as it struggled during landing, while others said the aircraft appeared to attempt another landing before leaving the runway.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that it has opened an investigation to determine what caused the runway accident.
The bureau said its investigation team arrived at the airport shortly after receiving reports of the incident.
According to the NSIB, investigators are gathering evidence, examining the aircraft, checking the condition of the runway, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, and reviewing operational and technical records to determine what led to the crash landing.
The bureau confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft remains secured as investigations continue.
Enugu Air assured passengers that it is fully cooperating with investigators and said it will continue to provide updates through its official communication channels as more information becomes available.
