Four passengers have been hospitalised following a crash involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji

The aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.

Sources told reporters that the crash occurred around 8:00 pm during the plane’s approach to Runway 17, where it crash-landed and somersaulted on the tarmac.

NSIB officials said all four people on board survived the accident, and no fatalities have been reported. The victims were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital, though their medical condition has not been independently confirmed.

An airport staff member, who requested anonymity, said the victims appeared to have been taken to the hospital, but she could not provide further details on their status.

The bureau noted that airport emergency services responded swiftly, containing the incident. There was no post-crash fire, and other flight operations at the airport continued without disruption.

Efforts are ongoing to recover and remove the damaged aircraft from the runway to allow a thorough examination of the wreckage, NSIB added.

Captain Alex Badeh Jr, NSIB Director-General, said the bureau has activated its investigation protocols. He expressed relief that there were no fatalities and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to secure the crash site.

“The NSIB is coordinating with relevant authorities, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Captain Badeh said, urging stakeholders to await official findings. (The Sun, excluding headline)