LAGOS, Nigeria – A social media post alleging that the engine of a Dana Air aircraft exploded just before take-off has stirred significant attention and concern.
The claim was initially made by a user, King David Hybrid, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), under the handle @kingdavidfirst.
Dana aircraft’s engine just exploded just shortly before take off. The flight was supposed to be from Lagos to Abuja. God just saved my guy 🙌🏻. Nigeria is a joke. @DavidHundeyin is always right.
— King David Hybrid (@kingdavidfirst) November 22, 2023
In his post on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Hybrid wrote, “Dana aircraft’s engine just exploded just shortly before take off. The flight was supposed to be from Lagos to Abuja. God just saved my guy. Nigeria is a joke. @DavidHundeyin is always right.”
This alarming message quickly spread, raising safety concerns among the public.
However, Dana Airline’s management swiftly responded to these allegations, labeling them as “fake news.”
In a press statement delivered to The Trent by email, the airline clarified that they experienced operational challenges and non-scheduled maintenance, which led to disruptions in their flight schedule.
They emphasized that no engine explosion occurred and assured the public of the safety measures they uphold.
“Our attention has been drawn to an online post suggesting that one of our engines exploded shortly before take off,” Dana Air said in a statement.
“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have given such a baseless and unfounded post from the X handle the attention it is seeking, but for the benefit of enlightenment and our valued guests who have shown better understanding.
“Today, the 22nd of November,2023, we had some operational challenges and non- scheduled maintenance of our aircraft which led to the disruption of our schedule.
“While passengers on the affected flights have been provided options and issues resolved, we are still wondering where this Twitter user got his fake news from.
“At Dana Air, the safety of our staff and customers remains a top priority and we urge the public and discerning minds to disregard this fake news which is obviously attention-seeking and malicious.”
The post by King David Hybrid also referenced David Hundeyin, a journalist known for his investigative work in the Nigerian aviation industry. Earlier this year, Hundeyin released a report titled “West Africa Weekly Aviation Special [Part 1],” which highlighted several issues in the sector, including unreported accidents, management disputes, and a general attitude of denial among some airline executives.
Hundeyin’s work also shed light on the alleged complacency of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
