Four people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday evening after a Skypower Express aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 with registration number 5N-ASR, was involved in the incident after developing technical difficulties mid-flight. Preliminary findings indicate that the plane departed Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport before the crew declared an in-flight emergency.
Following the distress call, the pilot diverted to Owerri in a bid to carry out an emergency landing. However, the aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 at the Owerri airport, sustaining significant damage.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed the crash in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji. She said the agency had been formally notified and had activated standard investigation procedures in line with aviation safety regulations.
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Oladeji disclosed that there were no fatalities recorded at the time of filing the report, adding that investigators would examine the circumstances surrounding the emergency diversion and subsequent crash.
The incident was also confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force Airport Command. Its spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said all four occupants of the aircraft were rescued alive. According to him, two of the crew members were reported to be in stable condition, while the other two, who were initially unconscious, were rushed to a hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Airport operations were briefly affected as security agencies and emergency responders secured the crash site and ensured the safety of passengers and personnel in the area.
The crash has once again drawn attention to aviation safety in Nigeria, as authorities assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences.
