119 passengers escape death as tyres of Abuja-bound Max Air plane burst during take-off

A Max Air aircraft carrying 119 passengers and six crew members experienced a major incident during takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja on Sunday evening.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB and flight number NGL1649, had four of its tyres burst during the takeoff roll and subsequent taxiing off the runway.

In a statement released by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), it was reported that the incident occurred as the aircraft was cleared for takeoff.

During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, later identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres.

Olawumi noted that initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew.

The statement revealed that a go-team led by Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director General, will visit the incident site to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the tyre bursts and to ensure all safety protocols were followed.

This incident follows closely after Max Air resumed its domestic operations post an audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.