Borno Deputy Governor and Passengers Escape Plane Fire

Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and around 100 other passengers barely avoided a terrible catastrophe when a Max Air aircraft caught fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.

The incident occurred at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, experienced engine failure due to a bird strike around 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew successfully executed an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting calamity.

A Max Air employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, verified the occurrence on Thursday morning.The crew member stated, “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft collided with a bird in midair, causing one of the engines to catch fire.” The pilot moved quickly to secure the safety of all passengers.”

Following the emergency landing, passengers were reportedly in a state of panic, with many preferring to retrieve their belongings and return home rather than board another flight.

However, Max Air management quickly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to take passengers, including the deputy governor, safely to Abuja.

Aside from the deputy governor, other government officials aboard the trip included a commissioner, special advisers, and senior special assistants, among others.

The ill-fated airplane remained parked at Maiduguri International Airport while awaiting major repairs. Investigations into the incident have since begun.

The airport authorities informed passengers of their commitment to safety and complimented the crew for their expertise in handling the issue.