A passenger aboard Thursday’s Enugu Air flight that skidded off the runway at Benin Airport has narrated how the passengers escaped death, while panic engulfed the aircraft after it veered off the runway.
He alleged that the cabin crew failed to effectively manage the situation and lamented that the airline is yet to apologise to passengers.
The passenger, a notable Edo politician and former lawmaker in Edo State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted that the flight departed the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2), Lagos, at about 2:06 p.m. after the pilot, identified only as Captain Ladi, informed passengers that the aircraft would cruise at an altitude of 21,000 feet and complete the journey to Benin in about 35 minutes, warning that there could be turbulence due to adverse weather conditions.
According to the passenger, the aircraft took off smoothly and, while airborne, the cabin crew announced that snacks would not be served because the flight was too short, assuring passengers they would receive them after disembarkation.
Shortly afterwards, the co-pilot announced that the aircraft was preparing to land.
He said the aircraft touched down in heavy rain but appeared unable to stop within the runway, skidding off before crashing into a concrete barrier, where it eventually came to a halt with one of its tyres
“The moment the aircraft stopped, there was pandemonium. Some passengers attempted to jump out in panic, but another passenger and I kept shouting at everyone to remain seated and stay calm. If we had not intervened, the situation could have been much worse because the cabin crew could not control the passengers,” he alleged.
The passenger further claimed that the emergency evacuation was poorly coordinated, alleging that passengers seated close to the emergency exit appeared unsure of what to do, while only the rear exit door was eventually opened for evacuation.
He added that firefighters could not immediately reach the aircraft because it had come to rest some distance from their position and had to use Hilux vehicles to evacuate injured passengers.
He disclosed that he sustained a neck injury during the incident, adding that prominent personalities, including the APC Organising Secretary in Edo State, Osarobo Idehen, were also on board. He, however, commended the pilot for her efforts, saying the outcome could have been much worse.
Expressing disappointment, the passenger said that despite providing his email address while purchasing the ticket, the airline is yet to contact him or other passengers and that on apology has been received.
“Enugu Air remains my favourite airline because of its punctuality, but I expected the management to at least reach out to us after what happened,” he said.
