By Ayomide Otitoju
An Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, prompting an emergency response and a temporary disruption of flight operations.
The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.
In a statement, Enugu Air said the aircraft had been secured and the relevant aviation authorities notified in line with established procedures.
The airline added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion was underway.
The incident temporarily affected airport operations as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials commenced preliminary assessments.
Enugu Air noted that the occurrence could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules and said affected passengers would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
The airline reaffirmed that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remains its highest priority, adding that it is cooperating fully with aviation authorities investigating the incident.
It also thanked passengers for their understanding and said further updates would be communicated through its official channels.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that it has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving the Embraer E170 aircraft.
According to the bureau, the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration number 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, overran the end of Runway 05 during landing.
The NSIB confirmed that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for and that no injuries were reported.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the bureau said its Go Team was deployed to the scene within minutes of receiving notification of the incident.
The team is currently gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the cause of the occurrence.
The NSIB added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft remains secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
