No fewer than 67 passengers escaped what could have been a tragic air incident on Thursday, after an Enugu Air aircraft skidded off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport.
The aircraft, with Registration Number 5N-ENR, was operating an Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial flight when the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m.
Airport sources disclosed that the aircraft overshot the runway and veered into the nearby bush after landing.
This, the sources said, triggered panic among passengers and airport officials.
A member of staff of one of the airlines operating at the airport, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the aircraft encountered difficulty during landing.
According to the source, the aircraft’s tyres came off while it was landing on the runway.
The source, however, dismissed widespread claims that the aircraft crash-landed, insisting that it skidded off the runway and that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.
Another airport source said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly to the incident.
“FAAN immediately swung into action and all the passengers were evacuated.
No casualty was recorded,” the source said.
The source added that there were 68 passengers on board the aircraft but could not confirm the exact number of crew members at the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN at the Airport, Mr Francis Oluseyi declined comment.
Oluseyi said he was not disposed to respond to the incident for now.
Enugu Air confirms runway excursion in Benin
Meanwhile, Enugu Air has confirmed that one of its aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, assuring the public that all passengers and crew on board are safe.
In a public notice issued by the airline, it stated that everyone on board safely disembarked from the aircraft, with no injuries or casualties recorded.
The airline stated that the aircraft had been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in accordance with established safety procedures.
It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway.
Enugu Air also advised passengers that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules.
According to the airline, affected passengers will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remained its highest priority.
The management promised to provide further updates through its official communication channels as more information becomes available.
The aircraft with registration number, 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, skidded off the runway with 67 passengers and five crew members on board, and landed at about 1.57 p.m.