The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed a successful rescue operation following an air incident at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday.
This is contained in a statement obtained on Saturday in Lagos.
The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
LASEMA said that it activated the state’s emergency response plan after receiving distress alerts through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines in the late evening of Friday.
According to LASEMA, a passenger aircraft experienced technical difficulties while airborne within Nigerian airspace, forcing an emergency landing at the airport.
“Preliminary investigations conducted by the agency’s Response Teams revealed the immediate cause of the incident was due to technical issues suffered by the distressed aircraft,” it said.
It said that the aircraft, which operator’s name was withheld, was carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members at the time of the incident.
It said that the pilot executed a safe landing on the runway, with emergency responders on high alert and fully positioned to manage the situation.
The agency said that collaborative efforts by multiple emergency responders ensured swift control of the incident and prevented casualties.
“After safety checks by the pilot and engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for further inspection and necessary repairs.
“All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries or loss of lives were recorded,” the agency said.
It added that the incident did not result in any significant damage to the aircraft.
It commended the swift inter-agency collaboration and reassured Lagos residents of its readiness to respond to emergencies.
It listed agencies involved in the operation as LASEMA, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
