An airplane crash-landed on Sunday afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, causing panic. The aircraft, B737, with Aircraft Reg. No. 5N-MBD Max Air arriving from Yola, Adamawa Stat, conveying 144 passengers and six crew members lost its tyres after landing. The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service (ARFFS) operatives, who were already on ground at the airport swiftly put off the fire around the tyres before the passengers were disembarked right at the runway. The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was being towed.
Some passengers on the flight who recounted their experiences during the crash landing expressed gratitude to God to be alive and were thankful for the professionalism displayed by the crew and emergency responders.
Former President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Mike Ogirima, who spoke on the incident, said the tyre pulled out ab initio after take-off at Yola Airport.
“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, Ogirima said.
“We bless God because we have 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.”
Meanwhile, a statement by the management of the airline, said it would continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
Investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident
