Four persons narrowly escaped death on Tuesday evening when a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express made an emergency crash-landing at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Bimbo Oladeji, the incident occurred at about 6:58 p.m. while the aircraft was approaching Runway 17.
Oladeji explained that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.
She said that upon receiving the distress signal, airport police patrol teams, working alongside emergency response units, were immediately dispatched to the scene, leading to the successful rescue of all occupants.
The statement noted that airport emergency services were promptly activated and confirmed that there was no post-crash fire. It also added that flight operations were not affected, as the runway remained operational after the incident.
Oladeji disclosed that all the survivors were crew members on board at the time of the crash. Two of them 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 care.
The NSIB stated that a formal investigation has begun in line with its statutory responsibilities and assured the public that additional updates would be provided as more details emerge.
She further revealed that arrangements are underway to recover and evacuate the aircraft from the crash site to allow for a thorough wreckage examination as part of the investigation.
The statement added that the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to the airline and relief that no lives were lost in the incident.