Four persons have been hospitalised following an aircraft accident at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The incident involved a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, which reportedly somersaulted while attempting to land at the airport on Tuesday evening.
Confirming the development, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the aircraft was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before the pilot declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.
According to the bureau, the aircraft crash-landed on Runway 17 at about 8:00 p.m., causing it to overturn on the runway. All four occupants on board sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
NSIB noted that there was no fire outbreak and that emergency responders at the airport acted swiftly to contain the situation. Flight operations at the airport were not significantly affected by the incident.
The bureau has since commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, while arrangements are being made to remove the aircraft from the runway.
NSIB assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
