68 Passengers Escape Death As Enugu Air Plane Crashes Off Benin Airport Runway

by Idahosa Musa

It was a scene of panic and at the same time, thanksgiving at the Benin Airport, Edo State, on Thursday, as 68 passengers narrowly escaped death after an Enugu Air aircraft overshot the runway while landing.

The aircraft, which was reportedly flying from Lagos to Benin, was said to have been cleared to land when it skidded off the runway amid a heavy downpour.

The incident reportedly left several passengers injured, while relatives and family members who had gathered at the airport to receive their loved ones were thrown into confusion and panic.

However, the mood soon turned to thanksgiving as some of the relatives were seen shouting praises to God and rushing injured passengers to hospital for medical attention.

The aircraft was said to have overshot the runway shortly after landing, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear as of press time.

The incident also caused anxiety among airport users, with eyewitnesses recounting the frightening moments as the aircraft reportedly veered off the runway.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of officials of Enugu Air at the airport proved abortive, as none of the airline’s staff was willing to speak on the incident when contacted.

A staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who declined to comment on the incident, said the appropriate authorities would investigate the matter.

“I cannot tell you anything because an investigation would be carried out by the necessary authorities and the report would be sent to our head office,” the official said.

The cause of the incident was yet to be officially established as of press time.