Passenger Recounts Harrowing Experience After Enugu Air Plane Skids Off Benin Runway
A passenger on Thursday's Enugu Air flight from Lagos to Benin has described the frightening moments after the aircraft reportedly skidded off the runway while landing in heavy rain, saying many on board feared they would not survive.
The passenger, a former Edo State lawmaker who requested anonymity, said the flight departed Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2) in Lagos at about 2:06 p.m.
Captain Ladi reportedly informed passengers before take-off that the journey would last about 35 minutes at an altitude of 21,000 feet, while warning of possible turbulence due to poor weather.
According to the passenger, the flight proceeded normally until landing. He said the aircraft touched down during heavy rainfall but failed to stop within the runway, veering off before coming to a halt after striking a concrete barrier.
One of the aircraft's tyres was reportedly damaged in the incident.
He alleged that panic broke out immediately after the aircraft stopped, with some passengers attempting to rush out. He claimed that he and another passenger repeatedly urged everyone to remain calm, alleging that the cabin crew struggled to manage the situation.
The passenger also criticised the emergency evacuation, claiming passengers seated near the emergency exits appeared unsure of the evacuation procedures and that only the rear exit was eventually used.
He further alleged that firefighters initially had difficulty reaching the aircraft because of its location and that injured passengers were later evacuated using Hilux vehicles.
He said he sustained a neck injury during the incident and disclosed that Edo APC Organising Secretary, Osarobo Idehen, was also among those on board.
Despite his criticisms, the passenger praised the pilot's handling of the emergency, saying the outcome could have been far worse.
He also expressed disappointment that the airline had not contacted passengers to apologise or provide updates after the incident, despite having their contact details through ticket bookings.
The passenger added that Enugu Air remains one of his preferred airlines because of its punctuality but said he expected better communication and support following the runway excursion.
No fatalities were reported in the incident, while authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's runway overrun.
The passenger, a former Edo State lawmaker who requested anonymity, said the flight departed Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2) in Lagos at about 2:06 p.m.
Captain Ladi reportedly informed passengers before take-off that the journey would last about 35 minutes at an altitude of 21,000 feet, while warning of possible turbulence due to poor weather.
According to the passenger, the flight proceeded normally until landing. He said the aircraft touched down during heavy rainfall but failed to stop within the runway, veering off before coming to a halt after striking a concrete barrier.
One of the aircraft's tyres was reportedly damaged in the incident.
He alleged that panic broke out immediately after the aircraft stopped, with some passengers attempting to rush out. He claimed that he and another passenger repeatedly urged everyone to remain calm, alleging that the cabin crew struggled to manage the situation.
The passenger also criticised the emergency evacuation, claiming passengers seated near the emergency exits appeared unsure of the evacuation procedures and that only the rear exit was eventually used.
He further alleged that firefighters initially had difficulty reaching the aircraft because of its location and that injured passengers were later evacuated using Hilux vehicles.
He said he sustained a neck injury during the incident and disclosed that Edo APC Organising Secretary, Osarobo Idehen, was also among those on board.
Despite his criticisms, the passenger praised the pilot's handling of the emergency, saying the outcome could have been far worse.
He also expressed disappointment that the airline had not contacted passengers to apologise or provide updates after the incident, despite having their contact details through ticket bookings.
The passenger added that Enugu Air remains one of his preferred airlines because of its punctuality but said he expected better communication and support following the runway excursion.
No fatalities were reported in the incident, while authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's runway overrun.
