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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that four people were hospitalised following an aircraft crash at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident, involving a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express, occurred at about 8 pm on Tuesday.
“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly. Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” she said.
The director explained the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
NSIB added that the aircraft crashed in the approach area while attempting to land on runway 17. All four occupants on board survived the crash but were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
“Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination.”
“There was no post-crash fire, and the runway remained operational, allowing other flights to continue safely,” the statement reads.
Alex Badeh, Director General of the NSIB, said the bureau had begun a full investigation into the accident.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far.
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site.”
The director-general assured that further information would be provided on the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the crash.
On December 14, an aircraft operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd crashed-landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State.
About 11 passengers escaped unhurt after the crash, which occurred on Sunday.
