In a recent turn of events at Port Harcourt International Airport, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South South Zonal Office swiftly responded to a distress call from the Airport Manager at approximately 16:45 Hrs, following an incident involving a Value-Jet BX-R flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt carrying over 100 passengers.
The aircraft, upon landing, deviated from the designated landing point on the tarmac, careening off the runway and into the muddy, grassy expanse at the airport. Despite the unsettling turn of events, all passengers emerged unharmed and were promptly evacuated, along with their belongings.
Collaborating seamlessly with NEMA were various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Airforce, the police, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and their respective security personnel, as well as the Airport Fire Service.
The Airport Manager has formally requested assistance for the retrieval of the aircraft from the mud, a task slated to commence following the Aircraft Investigation Bureau’s (AIB) final assessment, expected either today or tomorrow.
In light of the incident, the affected area has been cordoned off from the take-off and landing zones, ensuring the safety and security of ongoing flight operations. The runway has been cleared, paving the way for the resumption of normal flight activities at Port Harcourt International Airport. The collaborative effort of the emergency response teams and stakeholders played a crucial role in averting a potential disaster and ensuring the well-being of all passengers involved.
