Four people have been hospitalized following an aircraft incident at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express, somersaulted while landing at the airport on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was travelling from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
In a statement signed by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the bureau said four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, adding that no fatalities were recorded.
According to Oladeji, airport emergency response teams were immediately deployed and arrived at the scene without delay. She noted that there was no post-crash fire and that flight operations at the airport were not affected, as the runway remained open for other aircraft.
She further stated that arrangements were underway to evacuate the damaged aircraft from the scene to allow for a detailed examination.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had commenced investigation procedures in line with its statutory mandate.
He expressed sympathy to the management of Skypower Express and relief that no lives were lost, adding that NSIB officials were already working with relevant authorities to secure the crash site.
Captain Badeh Jr. said more details would be made public as the investigation
