An Enugu Air Embraer 170 aircraft, reportedly bearing registration 5N-ENR, suffered a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, with no injuries or casualties reported.
The aircraft was seen off the runway and among vegetation in a short video circulating after the incident. First responders were also seen at the scene as passengers were reportedly evacuated from the aircraft. Short video of incident aftermath
Initial details reveal that there are 63 passengers and 5 crew on board which the airline confirmed that all safely disembarked following the occurrence.
, in a public notice, initially described the incident as a runway incursion. The airline said the aircraft had been secured and relevant aviation authorities notified in line with established procedures.
“Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway incursion after landing today,” the airline said.
“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties.”
Enugu Air Excursion
The airline said an assessment of the aircraft and circumstances surrounding the occurrence was underway.
The investigation is expected to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the aircraft leaving the runway after landing. Meanwhile, aviation authorities are expected to examine the incident and determine whether operational, environmental or technical factors contributed to the occurrence.
Enugu Air also warned that the incident could affect some of its scheduled operations.
“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules,” the airline said. It added that passengers affected by any changes would be contacted directly and provided with necessary assistance.
The airline reassured passengers that safety remained its highest priority. It also promised to provide further updates through its official communication channels as more information becomes available.
“The safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority,” Enugu Air said.
The incident comes as aviation authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft unintentionally leaves the designated runway surface during take-off or landing. Such incidents can happen for different reasons and require technical investigation before the cause can be determined.
Therefore, it would be premature to attribute the Enugu Air occurrence to any specific factor until the relevant investigation is completed.
The available video footage shows the aircraft off the runway, with emergency and first-response personnel attending to the scene. However, the footage alone does not establish the cause of the incident or the extent of any damage to the aircraft. Another Short Video of the Enugu Air Excursion
The airline’s confirmation that passengers and crew disembarked safely means the immediate focus will now shift to the aircraft assessment and investigation.
Further updates are expected to clarify the aircraft’s condition, the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion and any operational implications for Enugu Air’s scheduled flights.
For now, the airline has confirmed that there were no injuries or casualties. The investigation will determine the full circumstances surrounding the occurrence at Benin Airport.
