The aircraft, an Embraer E170 operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, had departed Lagos for Benin when it overran the end of Runway 05 during landing. Emergency responders quickly moved to the scene to secure the aircraft and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Enugu Air confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft, stressing that the incident did not result in any injuries or fatalities.
“The aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway,” the airline said.
Following the incident, airport operations were briefly affected as emergency teams worked to remove the aircraft from the runway and aviation officials commenced preliminary assessments of the scene.
The airline also warned that the runway excursion could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. It assured affected passengers that they would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
Reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety, Enugu Air said the welfare of its customers, crew members and operational integrity remains its highest priority. The airline added that it is fully cooperating with aviation regulators and investigators as efforts continue to determine what led to the occurrence.
Enugu Air also expressed appreciation to passengers for their patience and understanding, noting that additional updates would be communicated through its official channels as more information becomes available.
NSIB Deploys Investigation Team
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a formal investigation into the runway excursion, describing its response as swift and in line with established emergency procedures.
According to the Bureau, its Go Team arrived at the accident site within minutes of receiving notification of the incident to begin the process of gathering evidence and documenting the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response,” the agency said in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
Providing details of the ongoing investigation, the Bureau added:
“The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all other relevant operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to the occurrence.”
The NSIB further confirmed that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for and that no injuries were reported.
It also disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
The findings of the investigation are expected to establish the factors that contributed to the runway excursion and, where necessary, recommend measures aimed at strengthening aviation safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.