…..Passengets in panic
Passengers aboard an Air Peace Embraer ERJ 145 were thrown into panic on Monday when the aircraft’s windshield shattered upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred during the landing, caused concern among both passengers and airport staff.
Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore was reportedly among the passengers on board the flight. One of the witnesses, Funmi, described the experience as frightening and expressed frustration with the airline for not providing immediate explanations about the shattered windshield.
Efforts to reach officials for comments were unsuccessful. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) spokesperson, Bimbo Olajide, noted that the NSIB is responsible for investigating accidents, while this incident may fall under the purview of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“The is classified as an incident and NSIB is expected to investigate accident and serious incident but the development falls in the category of an incident and not serious incident or accident. This falls within the purview of the NCAA.”
When contacted, over the phone, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, promised to speak with his staff and get back to our reporter but never did till press time.
Also asked about what transpired that led to the shattering of the windshield, the Chief Operating Officer of the affected airline, Oluwatoyin Olajide, who angrily responded to our correspondent, claimed that the safety of the flying passengers was not jeopardised.
Olajide who had earlier ignored our correspondent’s call became angry when told that it was gathered that the development caused panic among the flying passengers.
She responded, “What panic for the flying public? Can you verify what you’ve just said? Why are you always very quick to publish negative news about your own?
“Where were you when BA (British Airways) had engine issues and was grounded in Lagos for four days? Why was this not published? This is not a fight but just wondering where you gathered the wrong report from?
“We did not have a shattered screen neither was passenger’s safety jeopardized. What happened is a normal snag and necessary safety measures were implemented. The safety of our equipment and passengers is our top priority.”
Meanwhile, an insider in the airline, who does not want his name in print so as not to violate internal mechanisms, confirmed the development to our correspondent adding that “the aircraft has been temporarily put in service so as not to take any chances. Although, the windshield only cracked and not shattered as claimed.”
–Punch
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
