A heart-stopping incident unfolded at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as an Allied Air Cargo plane skidded off the runway following a tire burst. Thankfully, all five people on board escaped without injury. The incident led to the temporary closure of the runway, causing flight delays and highlighting the importance of robust airport safety measures.
- Allied Air cargo plane skids off Runway 22.
- Tire burst suspected to be the cause.
- All five occupants safely evacuated.
- Runway temporarily closed, causing flight disruptions.
- FAAN reassures public and investigates the incident.
Close Call: Cargo Plane’s Tire Burst Leads to Runway Skid
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT experienced a dramatic tire burst upon landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Runway 22, sent the plane careening off course, causing a temporary shutdown of the runway.
Swift Action Ensures Safety of All On Board
Despite the terrifying nature of the event, all five occupants of the aircraft – the crew and passengers – were safely evacuated. They were promptly taken to the FAAN clinic for medical checkups, though initial reports indicate no injuries. This swift action by emergency responders played a crucial role in preventing any casualties.
Airport Operations Disrupted, Investigation Launched
The incident caused significant disruptions to airport operations, with several departing flights facing delays as authorities worked diligently to clear the affected runway. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the tire burst and subsequent runway skid.
Reopening of Runway and Public Reassurance
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, released a statement confirming the incident and outlining the steps taken to address the situation. Orah stated that the Airport Emergency Response Team and accident investigators were immediately dispatched to the scene. The runway was expected to reopen as soon as possible after the necessary clearance procedures.
Importance of Airport Safety and Emergency Preparedness
This incident underscores the crucial role of stringent safety regulations and efficient emergency response mechanisms in aviation. The successful evacuation of all passengers and crew highlights the effectiveness of the safety protocols in place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Allied Air Cargo, 5N-JRT |
| Time of Incident | 10:05 am, December 11, 2024 |
| Location | Runway 22, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja |
| Occupants | Five (crew and passengers) |
| Injuries | None reported |
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