Four people have been hospitalised following an aircraft crash at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bimbo Oladeji, its director of public affairs and family assistance.
According to Oladeji, the incident happened around 8pm on Tuesday and involved a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express. She explained that the aircraft was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt before the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.
The bureau said the aircraft crashed in the approach area while attempting to land on runway 17. All four occupants survived the incident and were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
NSIB added that emergency services at the airport were immediately activated, secured the crash site, and ensured safety at the scene.
It noted that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remained operational, allowing other flights to continue safely.
Alex Badeh, director-general of the NSIB, confirmed that a full investigation has commenced. He said, “We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far.”
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
The incident comes days after an aircraft operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd crash-landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State on December 14. Earlier, on December 6, an air force jet reportedly crashed in a community in Borgu LGA of Niger State.
