Simon Osaze, Benin
No fewer than 68 passengers escaped unhurt on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos route when the incident occurred.
Sources at the airport said the aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown and came to a stop in nearby vegetation, prompting an immediate emergency response.
An airport source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) quickly mobilised to the scene and safely evacuated all passengers from the aircraft.
“The aircraft overshot the runway and entered the nearby bush. FAAN officials responded immediately and evacuated all the passengers safely. Thankfully, no casualty was recorded,” the source said.
The number of crew members on board the aircraft could not be immediately confirmed.
As of the time of filing this report, aviation authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or its possible cause.
An investigation is expected to be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
