By SUNTV Global Channel | Breaking News
An aircraft has crashed near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, following a reported mid-air emergency, sparking a large-scale emergency response and ongoing recovery operations.
According to multiple aviation and security sources who spoke to SUNTV Global Channel, the aircraft encountered difficulties while approaching the Owerri airport on Tuesday, triggering a distress situation that forced an emergency response from air traffic control and ground safety units.
Eyewitnesses in nearby communities reported hearing an unusually loud engine noise moments before the aircraft went down in a wooded area not far from the airport perimeter. Thick smoke was seen rising from the crash site, prompting panic among residents and immediate calls to emergency services.
“We heard a loud bang and then saw smoke coming from the direction of the airport. People started running towards the area before security agents arrived,” an eyewitness told SUNTV Global Channel.
MID-AIR EMERGENCY CONFIRMED
Airport officials confirmed that the aircraft had earlier communicated a mid-air emergency to the control tower, although the exact nature of the problem—whether mechanical failure, engine trouble, or other technical issues—has not yet been officially disclosed.
Aviation authorities say contact with the aircraft became intermittent shortly before it crashed, raising concerns about the severity of the situation onboard.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNDERWAY
Rescue and recovery efforts are currently ongoing, involving personnel from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), fire service units, military security, and local emergency responders.
Firefighters were swiftly deployed to contain flames at the crash site, while medical teams stand by to provide urgent care. Access roads to the area have been cordoned off to allow rescue operations and prevent crowd interference.
As of the time of filing this report, officials have not confirmed the number of passengers or crew onboard, nor have they released details about casualties or survivors.
AUTHORITIES CALL FOR CALM
The Imo State Government and aviation authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
In a brief statement, an airport spokesperson said:
“All relevant agencies are on ground. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as soon as accurate information becomes available.”
INVESTIGATION TO FOLLOW
A full-scale investigation is expected to be launched once rescue operations are concluded. Aviation experts note that black box recovery, flight data analysis, and maintenance records will be critical in determining the cause of the crash.
This incident comes amid renewed calls for improved aviation safety, aircraft maintenance oversight, and emergency preparedness across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
DEVELOPING STORY
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide verified updates as more details emerge regarding the aircraft, passengers, and the outcome of the rescue operations.
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