Emmanuel OchayiIn a swift response to an emergency landing incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the recent mishap involving an Embraer ERJ145 aircraft bearing the registration marks 5N-BWY, which belongs to United Nigeria Airlines.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time the airline is overshooting the runway. On May 31, 2023, a United Nigeria Airlines plane with 50 passengers on board, and inbound Lagos from the airport in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Skidded off runway 18L at the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 in Lagos.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe incident unfolded as the plane, carrying 51 passengers and 4 crew members, made an emergency landing on runway 18R at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
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The NSIB, a multi-modal investigation agency, holds the responsibility of investigating transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria. Their primary aim is to identify the probable causes behind such occurrences and offer safety recommendations to prevent their recurrence
Tunji Oketunbi, speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, stated, “The aircraft, en route from Abuja to Lagos, encountered difficulties during its landing, causing it to skid off the runway. We are relieved to confirm that all 55 individuals on board emerged unharmed.”
Oketunbi, however, called for respect for the privacy of the passengers even as he assured that the Bureau would release the preliminary report soon.
“The NSIB will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until the formal report is released.”
“The NSIB is a multimodal investigation agency charged with the mandate to investigate transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria to identify the probable causes and proffer safety recommendations that can prevent reoccurrence. The Bureau will release the preliminary report soon,” he added.
As the NSIB endeavors to unravel the circumstances leading to the emergency landing, they are actively seeking assistance from the public.
They encourage individuals to share any photographs, videos, or audio recordings related to the incident, which could contribute to their comprehensive investigation.
The NSIB has promised to release a preliminary report shortly. In the meantime, they have urged the general public and media to refrain from speculating on the cause of the incident, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the formal report.
This incident highlights the vital role played by the NSIB in ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as they work diligently to maintain the highest safety standards.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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