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PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Enugu Air Aircraft with 68 On Board Veers off Benin Airport Runway
No fewer than 68 passengers and crew members escaped unhurt on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State, triggering an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).Geographic Reference
The aircraft, an Embraer E170 with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating as Flight 4264 from Enugu with a scheduled onward service to Lagos when it overran the end of Runway 05 at about 3.10pm before coming to a stop in a grassy area beyond the paved surface.
Emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene, while all passengers and crew safely disembarked from the aircraft.
There were no reported injuries or fatalities.
In a public notice issued shortly after the incident, Enugu Air confirmed that one of its aircraft operating into Benin had experienced a runway excursion after landing.
The airline said the aircraft had been secured and the relevant aviation authorities notified in line with established procedures, adding that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence was underway.
“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance,” the airline said.
It added that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remained its highest priority and promised to provide further updates through its official communication channels.
The NSIB confirmed it had launched an investigation into the runway excursion, saying investigators would examine the circumstances that led to the aircraft leaving the runway after landing.
Although Enugu Air did not disclose the extent of damage to the aircraft, photographs circulating online from the scene show the aircraft sustained significant visible damage after coming to rest off the runway. The extent of the damage has yet to be officially assessed by investigators.
Runway excursions are among the most common commercial aviation incidents worldwide and can result from a range of factors, including weather conditions, runway surface conditions, aircraft performance or operational issues.
The exact cause of Thursday’s occurrence has not been established and will be determined by the ongoing investigation.
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