Tension gripped Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning as a Dana Air plane overshot the runway, News About Nigeria reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:14 a.m. as the aircraft, with registration number 5N BKI, was flying from Abuja to Lagos.
Upon landing, the plane veered off the runway, ending up stuck in the grass adjacent to the landing strip.
Emergency responders, including the airport’s Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARRFS), were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist.
Passengers on board the aircraft were evacuated safely via the emergency exit gate, with no reported injuries.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the runway incursion remains unclear.
Investigators from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have been deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
A source within the NSIB said that an official statement regarding the incident would be issued shortly.
In a statement addressing the incident, Dana Air confirmed the runway incursion and assured that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely.
The airline expressed gratitude to the airport authorities and its crew for their swift response in ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Furthermore, Dana Air disclosed that the involved aircraft has been grounded by their maintenance team for further investigation.
“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident, and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.
“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident, and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.
The airline reiterated its commitment to prioritising passenger safety and pledged full cooperation with relevant authorities throughout the investigation process.
