By Our Reporter
Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 other passengers narrowly escaped a serious accident when a Max Air flight experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, when the aircraft, bound for Abuja, suffered an engine failure due to a bird strike approximately 10 minutes after takeoff. The pilot and crew acted quickly, making an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport and preventing a potential disaster.
A Max Air staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the event on Thursday morning. “After takeoff, the plane struck a bird, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers,” the source explained.
After the emergency landing, many passengers, understandably shaken, chose to retrieve their luggage and return home instead of boarding another flight. However, Max Air quickly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to safely transport the Deputy Governor and other willing passengers to Abuja.
The affected aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing repairs, while investigations into the cause of the incident are underway.
Airport authorities have reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and praised the crew for their professionalism in handling the situation.
© Vanguard.