Just in: Passenger plane crashes into Lake Victoria in Tanzania, 26 rescued – Newstrends
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Just in: Passenger plane crashes into Lake Victoria in Tanzania, 26 rescued

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An airplane carrying 43 people plunged into Lake Victoria in Tanzania early Sunday due to bad weather shortly before it was due to land in the city of Bukoba.

The aircraft belonging to Precision Air, Tanzania’s largest private airline, crashed into water about 100 metres from the airport, according to Regional Police Commander William Mwampaghale.

Regional commissioner Albert Chalamila said 39 passengers, two pilots and two cabin crew were aboard the flight from financial capital Dar es Salaam to the lakeside city in Kagera region.

“As we speak, we have managed to rescue 26 people who were taken to our referral hospital,” Chalamila said.

“The rescue operation is still ongoing and we are communicating with the pilots,” he said, adding that more details would be shared later.

Precision Air released a brief statement confirming the accident.

“The rescue team has been dispatched to the scene and more information will be released in two hours’ time,” the airline said.

Video footage on local media showed the plane largely submerged as rescuers waded through water to bring people to safety.

Emergency workers attempted to lift the aircraft out of the water using ropes, assisted by cranes.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to those affected by the accident.

“Let’s continue to be calm while the rescue operation continues as we pray to God to help us,” she said on Twitter.

Precision Air, which is partly owned by Kenya Airways, was founded in 1993 and operates domestic and regional flights as well as private charters to popular tourist destinations such as the Serengeti National Park and the Zanzibar archipelago.

The accident comes five years after 11 people died when a plane belonging to safari company Coastal Aviation crashed in northern Tanzania.

In March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines flight from from Addis Ababa to Nairobi plunged six minutes after take-off into a field southeast of the Ethiopian capital, killing all 157 people on board.

In 2007, a Kenya Airways flight from the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan to Kenya’s capital Nairobi crashed into a swamp after take-off, killing all 114 passengers.

In 2000 another Kenya Airways flight from Abidjan to Nairobi crashed into the Atlantic Ocean minutes after take-off, killing 169 people while 10 survived.

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FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport

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FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear malfunction while touching down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after a flight from Lagos.

According to Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident occurred around 19:10 hrs on Thursday as the aircraft, with registration number SN-BZN, completed its approach on Runway 08. The plane came to a stop on the runway and was unable to move moments after landing.

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FAAN said emergency response teams were “immediately mobilised” to secure the airfield and ensure the safety of all onboard.
“FAAN’s airport emergency resources, including fire tenders and medical standby, were deployed as standard procedure,” the statement said.
“All passengers and crew were safely disembarked and evacuated to the terminal using Apron buses. Evacuation concluded at 19:48 hrs, with no injuries recorded.”

The agency added that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were already in position as the aircraft and airside were secured. FAAN reiterated that the safety of travellers, crew members and airport personnel remains its top priority, and said further information will be provided once investigations progress.

The incident places renewed scrutiny on Enugu Air, which was launched just four months ago by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

 

FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport

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NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible

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VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof

NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular social media influencers VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Mr Jollof may face prosecution and possible jail terms following their physical altercation aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Vanguard.

According to Achimugu, the NCAA will recommend that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police prosecute the two passengers, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will be advised to place them on a temporary no-fly list.

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He stated:

“The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. Once received, the relevant department will take necessary action. I have already spoken with our Director of Legal Services and advised that we write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers.

“We will provide full details of the incident to aid prosecution. We will also advise AON to blacklist the passengers as a deterrent. If prosecuted, they may face jail terms and fines. The laws are clear.”

A viral video posted on Monday showed VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof exchanging blows inside the aircraft, prompting shock and panic among passengers.

United Nigeria Airlines later confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, stating that both men were immediately handed over to airport security.

The NCAA insists the case will be pursued to enforce discipline and ensure safety within the aviation sector.

NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible

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NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

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VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced disciplinary action against social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) after the pair engaged in a physical fight aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.

In a statement issued on X, the NCAA condemned the confrontation as “unacceptable behaviour” that endangered passengers, crew and the aircraft.

“There is zero tolerance for unruly conduct onboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law,” the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said.

The agency expressed disappointment that public figures with large followings were responsible for such misconduct, stressing that their actions violated aviation safety protocols.

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The NCAA confirmed that the airline involved is expected to submit an official report before legal sanctions are issued.

Eyewitnesses said the clash was fueled by an ongoing social media feud between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof, which escalated into a physical altercation in the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew intervened to restore order.

VDM later posted a video claiming he confronted Mr Jollof, saying:

“I don chop Jollof father for inside plane. He bit me—man wey dey bite.”

The NCAA said a full statement will be released after reviewing reports from the airline and cabin crew.

NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

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