A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express crashed on Tuesday evening, December 16, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, sparking panic but leaving no fatalities.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when it declared an emergency mid-flight and diverted to Owerri.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the agency had been formally notified of the crash.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft went down in the approach area of Runway 17, sustaining damage, but all occupants survived.
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Also confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force Airport Command, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said the aircraft suffered varying degrees of damage during the crash.
Adeola disclosed that four crew members were on board at the time of the incident and were successfully rescued. He added that while two of the crew members were in stable condition, the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were immediately evacuated to a hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area and assist the victims, preventing further damage.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to be conducted by the NSIB, as aviation authorities continue to monitor the condition of the rescued crew members.
The incident adds to growing concerns over aviation safety, though authorities have reiterated that prompt emergency response helped avert loss of lives.