Four Injured As Airplane Crashes At Owerri Airport

Four people are receiving medical care after a Skypower Express plane crashed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered as 5N-ASR, reportedly somersaulted on the runway. According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the plane had taken off from Kaduna International Airport heading to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency mid-flight and diverted to Owerri.

NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that all four occupants survived the crash. She said airport emergency teams responded promptly, no post-crash fire occurred, and flight operations at the airport continued normally.

Efforts are ongoing to remove the damaged plane from the runway to allow a full assessment of the wreckage.

NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency has begun its investigation and is coordinating with relevant authorities. He expressed relief that there were no fatalities and promised updates as the inquiry progresses.