At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, a Max Air aircraft made a crash-landing after the tyre caught fire, creating a major panic.
When the accident occurred, the plane had just arrived from Yola, Adamawa State.
There were 143 passengers onboard.
The airport’s Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service (ARFFS) was quickly called upon to put out the fire.
Passengers on board the aircraft were promptly evacuated, with no fatalities or injuries reported.
An eyewitness stated that the situation was chaotic, and passengers were in a state of panic as they scrambled to leave the aircraft.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an investigation into the incident, and the airport authorities have closed the runway to prevent further accidents.
The NCAA has issued a statement assuring the public that they are working with other agencies to ensure the safety of passengers and airport users.
Max Air has also released a statement, confirming the incident and stating that they are cooperating with authorities to investigate the cause of the accident.
The airline also thanked the passengers for their cooperation and commended the emergency responders for their prompt action.
Dr. Mike Ogirima, former President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), who confirmed the incident, said the tyre burst occurred after takeoff at Yola Airport.
Ogirima said, “We thank God. We are still on the runway and 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.
“We bless God because we have witnessed the pull out of the tyre 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.”