Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a Max Air aircraft they boarded experienced an engine fire shortly after take-off from the Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7pm on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight.
Disaster was, however, averted after the aircraft made an emergency landing at the same airport.
Following the emergency landing, passengers were in shock, with many opting to collect their luggage and return home rather than board another flight.
The Max Air management was said to have arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport the passengers, including the deputy governor, safely to Abuja.
Staff members said the aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs, while further investigations into the incident are ongoing.
