Four persons onboard a Skypower Express aircraft narrowly escaped death when the plane crash-landed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday evening.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered 5N-ASR, was reportedly attempting to land at Owerri after declaring an emergency mid-flight. It had earlier departed from Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport.

According to preliminary reports, the pilot diverted the aircraft to Owerri in a bid to make an emergency landing.

Confirming the incident, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), said the agency had been formally notified and had commenced investigation in line with aviation safety protocols.

“The aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17, and no fatalities have been recorded at this time,” she said.

Also confirming the crash, ASP Mohammed Adeola, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, Lagos, revealed that the aircraft sustained varying degrees of damage.

Adeola added that all four crew members were rescued. Two of them were reported in stable condition, while the remaining two, initially unconscious, were evacuated to a hospital and are receiving medical attention.

The NSIB is expected to issue a detailed report on the cause of the crash after completing its investigation.