By Peter Okolie
The Police Force and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have confirmed a Tuesday night crash landing of a chartered aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no death was recorded during the incident.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has a call sign ASR, Registration Number 5N-ASR, a C-172 aircraft, operated by SkyPower Express.
The aircraft was from Kaduna, en route to Port Harcourt, when it made an emergency landing at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Command, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said the incident occurred at about 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday.
Adeola said that the aircraft experienced a crash landing at the threshold of Runway 17, sustaining varying degrees of damage.
He said there were four crew members on board at the time of the incident.
“Upon receipt of the distress information, the airport police patrol units, in collaboration with airport emergency response teams, were swiftly deployed to the scene.
“All occupants were successfully rescued.
“Two of the crew members were in stable condition, while the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were immediately evacuated to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” he stated.
Adeola further said that airport operations have remained uninterrupted, as the situation was promptly brought under control.
He added that the affected area remained under close monitoring to ensure continued safety and security, while relevant aviation authorities have commenced the necessary technical assessments, in line with standard operating procedures.
“The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Olufunke Ogunbode, commends the professionalism and rapid coordination of all responding agencies.
“Ogunbode reassures the public of the command’s unshaken commitment to aviation safety, public security, and effective emergency response across all airports,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, NSIB has also issued a statement, signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, also confirming the incident.
“The crew declared an emergency, necessitating a diversion to Owerri, where the aircraft subsequently crash landed in the approach area of Runway 17.
“There were four people on board at the time of the accident, with no fatalities reported so far,” she stated.
The director stated that there was equally no post-crash fire, adding that the runway remained active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination.
“The Director-General of bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed his deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and is glad that no fatalities were reported.
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)