A major disaster was averted on Wednesday as an Allied Air Cargo aircraft skidded off Runway 22 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident, which occurred at around 10:05 a.m., involved a cargo plane with registration number 5N-JRT, carrying five passengers.
According to reports, the aircraft suffered a tyre burst during landing, causing it to veer off the runway. Miraculously, all five occupants escaped unharmed. Emergency officials promptly arrived at the scene to ensure safety and begin investigations.
In a statement issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the agency confirmed the incident and announced the temporary closure of the runway. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, assured the public that swift action was taken to handle the situation.
“At 10:05 a.m. on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The aircraft had five souls on board, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. All occupants were safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks,” the statement read.
Read also: BAT Nigeria wins Best-Kept Industrial Premises Award for environmental excellence
FAAN also confirmed that an Airport Emergency Response Team and accident investigators are currently on-site to clear the runway and assess the situation. The runway is expected to reopen for operations as soon as the debris is cleared.
The authority expressed gratitude to the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience during the temporary closure.
This incident highlights the importance of swift emergency responses and the need for robust safety protocols in aviation. While the cause of the tyre burst remains under investigation, the professionalism displayed by the crew and emergency teams prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
