BREAKING: Enugu Air Aircraft Skids Off Runway During Landing in Benin, All 68 Passengers and Crew Safe
Reported by Fact Harbour News
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – Panic briefly gripped passengers and airport personnel on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft operating the Enugu–Benin–Lagos route skidded off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport in Edo State.
The aircraft reportedly experienced a runway excursion after touchdown, veering off the paved surface before coming to a stop in a grassy section adjacent to the runway. The incident immediately triggered an emergency response from airport rescue teams, who rushed to the scene to ensure the safe evacuation of everyone on board.
Fortunately, all 68 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any reported injuries or loss of life, bringing relief to families, airport officials and the travelling public.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described moments of anxiety as emergency vehicles, including fire and rescue units, quickly surrounded the aircraft. Passengers were calmly assisted out of the aircraft and moved to a secure location while aviation officials assessed the situation.
Enugu Air confirmed the incident in an official statement, describing it as a runway excursion. The airline assured the public that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority and confirmed that everyone on board safely disembarked following the incident.
The airline further disclosed that the aircraft has been secured while relevant aviation authorities commence a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the occurrence.
The incident temporarily disrupted flight operations at the airport as emergency responders and technical personnel worked to secure the runway and inspect the affected aircraft.
Although the cause of the runway excursion has not yet been officially established, aviation experts note that such incidents may result from several factors, including adverse weather conditions, runway surface conditions, mechanical issues or operational circumstances. Authorities have, however, urged the public to avoid speculation until investigations are concluded.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are expected to carry out comprehensive assessments in line with international aviation safety procedures.
The successful evacuation of all passengers and crew has been widely described as a testament to the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response system and the professionalism of the flight crew, whose prompt actions helped prevent what could have been a far more serious incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the aircraft remained at the scene while recovery operations and safety assessments continued.
Fact Harbour News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
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