By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu
KANO, Nigeria (AA) - The Nigerian Airport Authority temporarily closed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja on Wednesday after a place shooed off the runway.
The Allied Air Cargo aircraft had a tire pop when it landed at the airport before it skidded off the runway and became stuck, prompting the closure of the airport until the place could be towed.
The accident occurred at 10.05 a.m. (1200GMT), according to a statement from Obiageli Orah, the head of public affairs and consumer protection at the Federal Airports Authority,
“There were five people on board the aircraft, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further evaluation,” he said, referring to the medical facility at the airport.
The Airport Emergency Response Team is on-site, along with accident investigators. Efforts are underway to clear the runway, which is expected to reopen as soon as possible.
“We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience. We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),” Orah added.