Skypower Express Aircraft Crashed In Owerri

Four individuals are currently receiving medical attention following a plane accident in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

The incident involved a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express, which crashed and somersaulted at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, had taken off from Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport.

During the flight, the crew declared an emergency, prompting them to divert the plane to Owerri.

According to a statement from Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, all four occupants were on board at the time of the accident, but fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.

“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly.

“Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” Oladeji said.

She added that arrangements were underway to retrieve and relocate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the wreckage.

In a related development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., confirmed that the agency had initiated its investigative processes in line with its mandate.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.

Captain Badeh Jr. further stated that more updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.