An Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, prompting an emergency response and a formal investigation by aviation authorities.
The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft and that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
In a statement, Enugu Air said the aircraft had been secured while the appropriate aviation agencies were immediately notified in accordance with established safety procedures.
“The aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway,” the airline stated.
The runway excursion temporarily disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials began assessing the situation.
Enugu Air also warned that the incident could affect some scheduled flights.
According to the airline, the runway excursion may lead to temporary changes to flight schedules, adding that passengers affected by any adjustments would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary support.
The airline reassured the public that the safety of its passengers, crew members and operations remains its highest priority.
It also confirmed that it is fully cooperating with aviation authorities as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Enugu Air thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, assuring them that additional updates would be communicated through its official channels.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an investigation into the incident involving the airline’s Embraer E170 aircraft.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, was travelling from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI) when it overran the end of Runway 05 during landing, resulting in a runway excursion.
The NSIB confirmed that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for and that no injuries were recorded.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the Bureau disclosed that its investigative team responded immediately after receiving notification of the incident.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response,” the statement read.
The Bureau explained that investigators are currently gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical records to determine the cause of the runway excursion and any contributing factors.
The NSIB also confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
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