The Nigerian Safety investigation Bureau has been duly informed and has initiated an inquiry into a significant incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 aircraft bearing the registration number 5N-BWY, which is owned by United Nigeria Airlines.
According to the Bureau, the occurrence took place at approximately 06:33 p.m. on September 8, 2023, and involved a total of 51 passengers and four crew members on board.
As to a communication issued on Saturday morning by the NSIB General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, and endorsed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, James Odaudu, the aircraft veered off the runway after landing on Runway 18R of Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Nevertheless, it should be underlined that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
According to reports, the aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday evening, when it attempted to land amidst heavy rainfall.
According to the Head of Corporate Communications for the airlines, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, the flight was executed and concluded without any issues, successfully reaching its intended destination after departing from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri.
Nevertheless, while landing amidst the heavy rainfall, the aircraft’s tyres experienced a loss of traction on the moistened surface, resulting in its deviation from the designated runway.
The NSIB has also issued a call for help from the public in gathering any additional details on 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 [email protected] and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +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.”
