A Boeing 737-700 aircraft belonging to Arik Air which was operating a scheduled flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt has made an emergency landing at the Benin City Airport following an engine explosion.
The aircraft suffered a major engine issue which according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) caused a “significant damage” to the aircraft engine.
Confirming the incident the spokesman of Arik Air, Adebanjo Ola, in a statement said that the aircraft, with registration 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
He said the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine while the aircraft was descending into Port Harcourt, prompting them to take precautionary action which led to the diversion of the aircraft to the nearest airfield.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin,” he said.
The statement also confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated after the aircraft landed in Benin, adding that no injuries were recorded
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.”
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.” the statement added.
Also, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
She said, “In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.”