Passengers panic as Dana plane skids off runway in Lagos

There was tension at the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Lagos on Tuesday morning when a Dana Air plane overshot the runway.

The incident happened around 10:14 a.m, with emergency responders including the airport’s Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARRFS) mobilised to the scene.

However, passengers were evacuated unhurt, using the emergency exit gate while the aircraft was stuck in the grass near the runway as of press time.

The aircraft with registration number 5N BKI, was flying from Abuja to Lagos.

However passengers were evacuated unhurt using the emergency exit gate while the aircraft is stuck in the grass near the runway.

It was not clear what was responsible for the runway incursion as of the time of filing this report while investigators from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have been deployed to the scene.

A source in NSIB told our correspondent that the bureau would issue an official statement shortly.

Dana Air in a statement confirmed the runway incursion, saying, “We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”