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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation after an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport on Thursday
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Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing successfully and directed relevant agencies to work with the airline to determine the cause of the incident.
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Enugu Air confirmed that all passengers and crew members safely disembarked, while the NSIB said a preliminary investigation report would be released within 30 days.
July 24, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, Edo State, after the plane veered off the runway during landing on Thursday.
The bureau said the Embraer E170 aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, overran the end of Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m. local time.
According to the NSIB, there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft, all of whom were safely accounted for, with no injuries reported.
The bureau said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant airport authorities had been notified, while the aircraft had been secured pending investigation.
NSIB begins investigation
Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had deployed investigators to the scene shortly after the incident to determine what led to the runway excursion.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported.
“While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.
Badeh said the bureau’s Go Team arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving notification, describing the swift response as a reflection of the agency’s operational readiness.
He urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators carry out their work in line with international aviation standards, adding that a preliminary report would be released within 30 days in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minister, airline react
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that the aircraft had landed successfully before skidding off the runway.
“I have been duly informed that the incident with Enugu Air yesterday in Benin is that the aircraft skidded off the runway after landing successfully (it is called ‘runway excursion’ in aviation terminology).
“Everyone was safe. I have directed all the relevant agencies to work closely with Enugu Air to unravel the cause,” the minister said.
Enugu Air also confirmed that all passengers and crew members safely exited the aircraft without injuries.
“We sincerely thank our passengers for their patience, understanding, and cooperation.
“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked with no injuries reported.
“Safety remains our highest priority, and we will continue to provide updates through our official communication channels,” the airline said.
Meanwhile, residents living near the airport said they were alarmed after hearing a loud noise as the aircraft landed.
One of the residents, Michael Udoh, said he initially feared that an object had fallen from the sky before discovering that an aircraft had veered off the runway.
Another resident, Moses Idowu, said he observed the aircraft descend during heavy rainfall before it left the runway.
The NSIB has not linked the incident to weather conditions or any technical fault, and the cause of the runway excursion remains under investigation.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
