Aeroplane Carrying Nigerian Deputy Governor, Over 100 Passengers Caught Fire

Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disaster.

A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning.

The staff member explained: “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”