By Abigail Philip David
An Allied Air Cargo aircraft, with registration number 5N-JRT, narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday after suffering a tyre burst that caused it to skid off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) temporarily closed the runway following the incident, resulting in significant disruptions and delays to scheduled departures.
The cargo plane was landing at the airport when the incident occurred. Fortunately, all five people on board, including crew members, were safely evacuated without injuries. Emergency responders promptly secured the site, ensuring no fatalities or injuries were recorded.
A press statement issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed the incident and provided updates on the situation.
“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 persons on board were safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks,” the statement read.
Orah further explained that accident investigators and the airport’s emergency response team were on-site, working to clear the affected runway. The runway is expected to reopen for operations soon.
FAAN expressed gratitude to the aviation community and the public for their patience and understanding during the temporary closure.
This incident underscores the critical importance of swift emergency responses in ensuring passenger and crew safety in aviation mishaps.
