BREAKING: Four Hospitalised as Plane Crashes at Owerri International Airport
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, which involved a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express
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Four people were hospitalised on Tuesday night after a light aircraft crash-landed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, which involved a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express. The confirmation was contained in a statement signed by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew encountered an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
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PUNCH Online gathered that the aircraft crash-landed at about 8:00 pm during its approach to Runway 17. Witnesses said the plane somersaulted on landing, prompting an immediate emergency response from airport officials.
NSIB officials disclosed that four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. All occupants were evacuated alive and taken to a hospital for medical attention. No fatalities were recorded.
An airport worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, confirmed that the victims were taken away from the scene shortly after the incident. “I’m not sure of their exact location, but they appeared to have been taken to the hospital,” the source said.
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While the exact condition of the victims could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report, sources said they were receiving treatment.
The NSIB stated that emergency response services at the airport were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly. Officials also confirmed that there was no post-crash fire.
“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly. There was no post-crash fire, and flight operations were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” Oladeji said.
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She added that efforts were ongoing to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to allow investigators conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage.
The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its investigation protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” Badeh Jr. said.
He noted that more details would be made public as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were yet to issue official statements on the incident. Calls placed to their spokespersons, Michael Achimugu and Henry Agbebire, were not answered, while text messages sent for clarification were not replied to as of press time.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, pending the outcome of the NSIB’s investigation.
