A technical malfunction on Friday forced an aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members to make an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the aircraft developed a technical fault while in Nigerian airspace, necessitating the emergency landing.
According to the agency, a distress call was received through its 767/112 Toll Free Emergency Lines, and upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) confirmed that the aircraft was in distress.
It noted that “The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Muritala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs. All passengers of the distressed aeroplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives”, the statement said in part.
Despite the technical fault and emergency landing, LASEMA said the incident caused no major damage to the aircraft.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed”, the statement added.