ABUJA, Nigeria — Passengers aboard a Max Air plane narrowly escaped disaster on Sunday, May 7, 2023, when their aircraft crash-landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, after one of its tires burst into flames.
The plane, which had taken off from Yola Airport in Adamawa State, was met by emergency response teams who quickly extinguished the fire.
Mike Ogirima, former President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, revealed that the tire had burst shortly after takeoff at Yola Airport.
However, the passengers were not informed of the incident in order to avoid panic.
“We thank God. We are still on the runway and the 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,” Ogirima said.
“We bless God because we have witnessed the pull out of the tire 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 were safely evacuated from the runway, which was temporarily shut down to allow for the removal of the damaged aircraft.
An official from Max Air expressed gratitude for the safety of all passengers and crew members, and stated that the airline would notify the appropriate authorities to investigate the incident.
Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service, ARFFS, operatives at the airport were praised for their quick response, likely preventing further damage or injury.
The incident has underscored the importance of vigilant emergency response teams at airports and the need for continued focus on aviation safety.
