There was pandemonium at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja today after a Max Air plane crash-landed and the tyre reportedly burst into flames.
The plane arrived from Yola, Adamawa State when the incident happened.
The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service (ARFFS) operatives at the airport were swiftly mobilized to put off the fire.
Former President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mike Ogirima, who gave an account of the incident, said the tyre burst occurred after takeoff at Yola Airport.
However, the aircraft crash-landed in Abuja with emergency officials already on ground to put off the fire before the passengers were disembarked right at the runway.
Ogirima said,
“We thank God. We are still on the runway and pilot has reassured us. He has called for the stairs and we are now disembarking from the runway to be evacuated to the airport building at the arrival hall.
“We bless God because we have witnessed the pull out of the tyre right from the airport in Yola and we went into prayer session. I never announced it as a surgeon so as not to cause any panic but we bless God.”
The passengers safely disembarked from the plane while the runway has been temporarily cordoned off until the evacuation of the aircraft.
A Max Air official who confirmed the incident said all the passengers and crew members safely disembarked and the airline would officially inform the appropriate authorities to carry out an investigation into the incident.
Recall that four months ago, the Vice Chairman Of Max Air, Bashir Mangal Died.
Bashir is the younger brother of Dahiru Mangal, chairman, Max Air, and one of the richest men in Katsina state.
The aviation company said Mangal was a seasoned administrator, an excellent manager of human and material resources, a consummate investor, and “a complete gentleman whose words are his bonds.
Reacting to his death, The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar said the late aviation expert was known for his diligence in business and patriotism.
READ MORE: Atiku Mourns Death Of Max Air CEO, Bashir Barau Mangal
