Passengers onboard an Enugu Air flight from Lagos to Benin City experienced a frightening moment after the airline’s Embraer E170 (registration 5N-ENR) veered off the runway while landing at Benin Airport on Friday.
The aircraft, operating a scheduled service from Murtala Muhammed Airport (Lagos), reportedly landed before overrunning the end of Runway 05 and coming to a stop off the paved surface in what aviation authorities described as a runway excursion.
According to Nigerian authorities, all 68 people onboard, including 63 passengers and 5 crew members, safely evacuated the aircraft. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) quickly deployed its Go Team to the scene, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and airport authorities were notified. Investigators have begun an independent investigation to determine what caused the runway excursion.
Enugu Air also confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft has been secured and all passengers and crew safely disembarked.
While the incident ended without injuries, it highlights the importance of thorough investigations into every runway excursion to improve aviation safety and prevent future occurrences.
