Four occupants of a light aircraft were hospitalised on Tuesday night after the plane crash-landed and somersaulted at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express.
According to the bureau, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was travelling from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the accident occurred at about 8:00 pm during the aircraft’s final approach to Runway 17, where it crash-landed and somersaulted.
NSIB officials said four persons were on board at the time of the incident and that no fatalities were recorded.
All occupants were taken to a hospital, although their medical condition could not be independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
An airport worker, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal, said the victims were evacuated from the scene shortly after the incident and appeared to have been taken to a medical facility.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had yet to issue official statements on the incident.
Calls to their spokespersons, Michael Achimugu and Henry Agbebire, were not answered, while text messages sent for clarification received no response.
Mrs Oladeji stated that airport emergency response teams were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly.
She added that there was no post-crash fire and that flight operations were not disrupted, as the runway remained operational with other aircraft continuing scheduled movements.
She also disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to evacuate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed examination of the wreckage.
The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had activated its investigation protocols in line with its statutory mandate.
He expressed sympathy with the management of Skypower Express and noted relief that no lives were lost, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
