The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an Enugu Air Embraer 170 aircraft that skidded a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday,

It said a preliminary report on the occurrence would be released within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, would be published after the investigation is completed.

According to the NSIB, there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. All 68 occupants were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.

In a statement by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobethe NSIB said investigators have commenced evidence gathering as part of efforts to determine the circumstances and factors that led to the runway excursion.

All 67 passengers and five crew members safely evacuated and no injuries or fatalities recorded.

The aircraft, with registration 5N-ENR, was seen off the runway and resting in nearby vegetation in videos that surfaced shortly after the incident.

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft accidentally or improperly exits the runway surface during takeoff or landing.

Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene while passengers disembarked safely from the aircraft.

In a statement, Enugu Air said the aircraft had been secured, and the appropriate aviation authorities had been notified in accordance with established safety procedures.

“We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties,” the airline said.