The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been alerted and is launching an investigation into a serious incident concerning an Embraer ERJ145 bearing registration number 5N-BWY, owned by United Nigeria Airlines.
The Bureau, in its report, specified that the incident occurred at approximately 06:33 p.m. on September 8, 2023, with 51 passengers and four crew members on board.
As per an official statement on Saturday morning, provided by NSIB’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, and signed by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, James Odaudu, the aircraft veered off Runway 18R at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
He did, however, emphasize that there were no injuries or fatalities reported.
Africa Today News, New York, learned that the aircraft veered off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday evening as it attempted to land during a heavy downpour on Friday night.
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The airlines’ Head of Corporate Communications, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, issued a statement confirming that the flight had completed its journey and safely touched down at its destination, originating from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri.
However, as the plane made contact with the rain-soaked runway, its tires lost traction on the slippery surface, resulting in it skidding off the runway.
In the meantime, the NSIB has reached out to the public, requesting any information that could contribute to a better understanding of the incident.
The statement read, ‘The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in the form of pictures, video or recording evidence to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.’
‘The Bureau can be reached through info@aib.gov.ng and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +at 234-807-709-0909.’
‘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 with the aim of identifying the probable causes and proffer safety recommendations that can prevent reoccurrence.’
‘The Bureau will release the preliminary report soon.’