Photo: United Nigeria aircraft
Breaking: 55 cheat death as plane overshoots runway in Lagos
No fewer than 55 persons, including 51 passengers and 4 crew members narrowly escaped death when an aircraft with registration number 5N-BWY skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday evening, causing panic among passengers.
The incident involved a United Nigeria aircraft occurred at about 6:33 p.m. on Runway 18R during a heavy downpour at the Lagos airport.
It was the second incident within three months involving the airline’s aircraft.
It was learnt that officials of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were immediately deployed for a rescue operation.
One of the passengers, who craved anonymity, told newsmen that the plane was “tumbling,” in the air and scared him to death.
He said the pilot was composed and managed the situation, adding that the devil had planned to end the lives of the 51 passengers and four crew members.
He said, “You can see what God did for us. We escaped a plane crash. We are in the bush. The emergency team have come for evacuation. The plane was tumbling in the air, and the pilot managed the situation. It was a heavy attack, but Jesus did it.
“Look at me. The devil said it would end today, but Jesus said no. Nobody should joke with their dreams, especially if they have an assignment to fulfil on earth. Look at the plane deep inside the bush.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced investigation into the incident.
Tunji Oketunbi, NSIB General Manager, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, James Odaudu, however, said that there was no injury or fatality.
