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The United Nigeria had in a statement by the head, Corporate
Communications, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, said the aircraft coming from Owerri
landed normally but skidded off the runway upon landing.
He, however, disclosed that all passengers were evacuated
with their luggage with no injuring recorded by anyone.
“A United Nigeria Airlines flight U5 0513 operated by its
aircraft with registration 5N-BWY upon landing at Murtala Mohammed Airport
Lagos aquaplaned due to a downpour. The aircraft which was coming in from the
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri operated and landed normally but
skidded off the runway upon landing. All Passengers have also been safely
evacuated alongside with their luggage. No passenger was hurt in the incident,”
Uchegbu stated in a statement.
However, the spokesman of NSIB, Tunji Oketunbi, who
confirmed the incident, said 51 passengers and for crew members were onboard
the aircraft.
According to him, the bureau was seeking information from
the general public to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.
He said, “NSIB has been notified and commenced investigation
into a serious incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 with Nationality and
Registration Marks 5N-BWY belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, which occurred
around 06:33pm (Local Time) on 8th September, 2023.
“The aircraft, with 51 passengers and 4 crew members onboard
was en-route Lagos from Owerri. The aircraft on landing on Runway 18R of
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, skidded off the runway.
There was no injury or fatality.
“The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general
public in form of pictures, video or recording evidences 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 +234-807-709-0909.”
Oketunbi, however, called for respect for the privacy of the
passengers even as he assured that the Bureau will release the preliminary
report soon.
“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 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,” he added.