A Boeing 747 plane conveying intending Nigerian pilgrims to Israel narrowly escaped crashing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The plane, which was taxiing on the run way for take off in Abuja on Tuesday, hit one of the wings on the flood light pole at the apron. The aircraft, belonging to TAT Airlines was hired by the Christian Pilgrims Board to convey the intending pilgrims to Jerusalem.
The Public Relations Officer of the airport, Mr. Alfred Itua, told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that fuel was gushing out of the damaged wing while the aircraft was still taxiing on the runway.
Itua said that the pilot of the aircraft was not aware of the development until men of the Fire Service Department prevented the aircraft from taking off.
He said that passengers and the crew members disembarked from the aircraft unhurt.
“No passenger was hurt or injured and there was no fire outbreak because our fire service men were on standby to control the situation,’’ he said.
He added that the intending pilgrims were lodged in hotels in Abuja while arrangements were being made to enable them travel on Wednesday.
Source African Press Agency
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