Record breaking fastest inquiry into any airport related incident has emerged following the announcement of investigations into the fire incident that occurred at the Same Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA) in Owerri, the Imo State capital by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) less than 12 hours of the inferno.
The fire, which broke out at about 2pm was said to have affected the arrival terminal building of the airport and was later put off by operatives by officers of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services Department of FAAN.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, in a statement averred that there were no casualties during the incident and revealed that normal operations had resumed at the airport.
The statement sent to Business Hilights via email reads in part, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform passengers and the general public that there was a fire incident that affected some parts of the terminal building of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri at about 1400hours today.
“The fire was however curtailed swiftly by officers of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services Department of FAAN.
“There was no casualty and normal operations has since resumed at the airport.
“The Authority has commenced preliminary investigations into the cause of the incident.”
Whereas the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is yet to be sighted at the Airport, earlier in a tweet by the incoming State Governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha said in his twitter handle that “I just left Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, where I came to inspect the level of damages done by the fire incident that happened some few hours ago.”
Business Hilights recalls that SIMCA was among some of the airports now wearing a new look arrival and departure halls.
However, in a telephone interview with few workers at the airport, the summary of their observations was that the fire started from a faulty electrical system that may have been begging for minor repairs over time even though a top official of the airport failed to confirm the claims.
