Close Call: Five Escape Death as Cargo Plane Skids Off Abuja Runway

By Achimi muktar

In a dramatic turn of events at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft narrowly averted disaster on Wednesday. The plane, with registration number 5N-JRT, suffered a tyre burst upon landing, skidding off Runway 22 and prompting an immediate shutdown of the airport's main runway.

Safe Evacuation Amid Chaos

The cargo aircraft had five people on board, including passengers and crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated without injuries. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, ensuring their safety and transporting them to the airport clinic for precautionary medical checks.

A Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) statement confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the quick action of the airport's emergency teams.

“At 10:05 am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. All five souls on board were safely evacuated with no injuries reported,” said Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Operations Disrupted

The incident caused significant delays, disrupting flight schedules and leaving passengers stranded. Several departures were postponed as authorities worked to clear the affected runway.

“The Airport Emergency Response Team and accident investigators are on the scene. The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible,” Orah added.

Aviation Community Reassured

Despite the disruption, FAAN reassured the public of their commitment to safety and efficiency. “We appreciate the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience during this time,” the statement read.

Safety a Top Priority

This near-miss highlights the critical importance of aviation safety measures and emergency preparedness. With no casualties or injuries reported, the swift response from FAAN’s emergency team is a testament to the effectiveness of Nigeria’s airport safety protocols.

As authorities investigate the cause of the tyre burst, the aviation community remains focused on ensuring such incidents are minimized to maintain public confidence in air travel.