By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says four persons have been hospitalised after an aircraft crashed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, 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 8pm on Tuesday.
Oladeji said the aircraft was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt when the crew declared an 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.
The bureau said airport emergency services were immediately activated, arrived at the scene, and secured the area.
“There was no post-crash fire, and the runway remained operational, allowing other flights to continue safely,” the statement reads.
Alex Badeh, director-general (DG) 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,” Badeh said.
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
On December 14, an aircraft operated by the Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd crashed-landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano state.
On December 6, an air force jet reportedly crashed in a community in Borgu LGA of Niger state.
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