Four passengers have been hospitalised following a crash involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji.
What Happened
The aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew reportedly declared an in-flight emergency. As a result, the pilot diverted the flight to Owerri.
According to aviation sources, the aircraft crash-landed around 8:00 pm while approaching Runway 17, somersaulting on the tarmac upon impact.
Survivors and Emergency Response
NSIB officials confirmed that all four persons on board survived, with no fatalities recorded. The passengers were swiftly evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, although their conditions have not been independently verified.
An airport staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that emergency responders acted promptly but declined to give further details on the victims’ status.
Airport Operations Unaffected
The NSIB stated that airport emergency services responded swiftly, successfully containing the situation. Importantly, no post-crash fire occurred, and flight operations at the airport continued without disruption.
Efforts are currently underway to recover and remove the damaged aircraft from the runway to allow investigators conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage.
NSIB Launches Investigation
Reacting to the incident, NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, confirmed that the bureau has activated its investigation protocols.
He expressed relief over the absence of fatalities and assured the public that the crash site has been secured.
“The NSIB is coordinating with relevant authorities, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Captain Badeh said, urging stakeholders and the public to await official findings.
While the survival of all passengers highlights the effectiveness of emergency response protocols, the incident raises renewed concerns about aviation safety and aircraft maintenance standards. The outcome of the NSIB investigation will be critical in determining the exact cause and preventing future occurrences
