Boeing 737 suffers ‘loud bang’ mid-air emergency and races to nearest airport
Passengers reported hearing a 'loud bang' from the aircraft's left wing before the plane was forced to race to the nearest airport - where it was later pictured with a completely torn up engine
A thunderous bang ripped through the cabin of a Boeing 737 mid-flight after a major engine malfunction which forced the plane to divert to the nearest airport.
Passengers on board Arik Air flight W3740, which left Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and was heading to Port Harcourt, reported hearing a "loud bang" from the aircraft's left wing on Wednesday morning. Shocking images showed the plane's engine torn open with its outer casing completely ripped away, leaving internal wiring, pipes and mechanical components completely exposed.
The plane was carrying 80 passengers when it was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport - the nearest suitable landing site.
After the cabin was shaken by the massive bang and pilots noticed unusual readings from the engine, the flight crew followed standard emergency protocols which involved a precautionary shutdown of the left engine.
The plane touched down safely at Benin Airport at around 10:30am local time. All 80 passengers on board are safe and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since launched an investigation into the incident. The bureau said one of the aircraft's engines had suffered "significant damage" as a result of the malfunction.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said: "During the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
"In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported."
Arik Air said in a statement: "There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
"We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air."
