Four people have been injured after a Skypower Express airplane crashed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered as 5N-ASR, reportedly flipped on the runway. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the plane had departed Kaduna International Airport for Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.

NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that all four occupants survived. She noted that airport emergency teams responded quickly, there was no post-crash fire, and other flights continued to operate safely.

Efforts are underway to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway to allow a full inspection of the wreckage.

NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency has launched an investigation and is coordinating with relevant authorities. He expressed relief that no lives were lost and promised updates as the probe continues.