All 72 passengers and crew aboard an Enugu Air regional jet escaped unhurt after the aircraft skidded off the runway while landing at Benin Airport amid heavy rainfall on Thursday.
The Embraer 170 aircraft, operating from Enugu to Benin, lost traction on the rain-soaked runway after touchdown and veered off the tarmac into a grassy area, triggering an emergency response.
Despite the frightening incident, the flight crew and cabin personnel acted swiftly, carrying out a successful emergency evacuation that ensured every passenger and crew member was safely evacuated without injury.
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft encountered severe weather during its final approach, with torrential rain reducing visibility and creating slippery runway conditions that affected braking after landing.
Airport fire and rescue teams responded within minutes, secured the aircraft and assisted passengers to safety before they were taken to the terminal for precautionary medical checks. Authorities later confirmed that no injuries were recorded.
The aircraft, an Embraer 170 with registration number 5N-ENR, is operated by the newly launched Enugu State-owned airline and was carrying 72 people, including passengers and crew, at the time of the incident.
Flight operations at Benin Airport experienced temporary disruptions as emergency and safety officials secured the scene.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is expected to open a formal investigation into the runway excursion, with weather conditions, runway performance and the aircraft’s landing data among the key areas of focus.
Although the aircraft remains grounded for structural assessment, the incident ended without casualties, with the professionalism of the flight crew and emergency responders preventing what could have been a far more serious aviation accident.
