Max Air airline with registration No: 5N-MBD, crash-landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, in Abuja on Sunday, 7th May, 2023, after its tyre reportedly burst into flames.
The management of Max Air disclosed that all the 143 passengers and an infant on board the aircraft were in safe condition.
In a public announcement signed by the management of the airline made available to journalists in Abuja, noted that the flight experienced tyre bursts during landing, after departing from Yola at around 14:05hr and was scheduled to arrive in Abuja at 15:00hr.
It was also reported, that when the aircraft crash-landed, there were emergency officials already on ground to put off the fire before the passengers were disembarked right at the runway.
According to the statement; “we are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board the aircraft are safe and sound.
“The airline has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the passengers are comfortable and are being taken care of during this time
“They have been conveyed to the arrival terminal with their luggage and belongings. Further investigations to be carried out before being released for future flights. The aircraft tyres are being replaced and the aircraft will taxi to the ramp to know what transpired.
Also, former president of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Mike Ogirima, who gave an account of the incident, said the tyre burst occurred after take-off at Yola Airport.
Ogirima said;
“We thank God. We are still on the runway and pilot has reassured us. He has called for the stairs and we are now disembarking from the runway to be evacuated to the airport building at the arrival hall.
“We bless God because we witnessed the pull out of the tyre right from the airport in Yola and we went into prayer session. I never announced it as a surgeon so as not to cause any panic but we bless God”.
The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service, ARFFS, operating at the airport were swiftly mobilised to put off the fire.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, commenced investigation into the incident after its team inspected the aircraft prior to its removal.
The Runway 04/22 which was closed following the emergency landing by the aircraft led to the cancellation and delay of flights at the Abuja airport on Sunday, 7th May, 2023.
Story: Christy Dung,