Over 100 passengers including Borno deputy gov escape plane crash in Maiduguri
Umar Kadafur, the Borno state deputy governor, and over 100 other passengers on Wednesday narrowly escaped death after Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.
According to reports, the aircraft en route Abuja suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight.
Meanwhile, the pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disaster.
A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning, saying, “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”
However, Max Air management promptly arranged another aircraft from Kano to transport passengers, including the deputy governor, safely to Abuja.
Apart from the deputy governor, there were other government dignitaries on the flight including a commissioner, special advisers, and senior special assistants, among other aides.
The ill-fated aircraft remained grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident have since commenced.
Source: Channels TV
