Rwanda plane skids off runway at Entebbe airport
RwandAir flight RWD464 from Nairobi skidded off the runway on touchdown at Entebbe International Airport at 5:45am on Wednesday, according to sources in Kigali and Kampala. PHOTOS/ COURTESY
A passenger plane carrying about 60 people skidded off the runway this morning while landing at Entebbe international airport but the passengers and the crew disembarked safely.
The RwandAir flight RWD 464 from Nairobi was landing at Entebbe airport at 5:31am when it overshoot the runway according to airport sources.
At least 20 out of an estimated 60 people aboard, were Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s visitors from Kigali.
The ladies according to insiders were invited by the first son to grace his 48th birth day party scheduled on April 24.
Lt Gen Muhoozi who is also the commander of land forces, sent out a tweet two days ago, confirming that Ms Jolly Mutetsi, the former Miss Rwanda, whom he described as “an old friend” would grace his glamorous birth day party. He had also indicated that people from East Africa, Africa and all over the world would be free to attend.
While investigations are ongoing to establish the cause, sources at the airport blamed poor markings on the new runway and poor visibility instigated by the morning downpour.
RwandAir confirmed the incident and said all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
"RwandAir can confirm that flight WB464 was involved in an incident at 05:31 this morning, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway upon landing into Entebbe during adverse weather. All customers and crew were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The situation is under control and RwandAir are in contact with all affected customers. The aircraft is currently being recovered, so Entebbe’s runway can return to use,” Rwanda’s national carrier said in a statement.
According to the carrier, their Flight Crew are highly trained for all eventualities, including flying in adverse weather conditions.
"We are working closely with the local authorities, including the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority, who will investigate the circumstances around the incident. The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority,” the Wednesday statement adds.
Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority said the second (alternate) runway 12/30 was operational for small and light aircraft as they try to clear the main one.
"All efforts are underway to remove the aircraft from the runway strip so that the main runway can return to full use," the aviation authority said in a statement.
This is not the first time a plane skidded off the runway. On January 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines (Boeing 737-800) carrying 139 people skidded off the runway when it landed at 12:41 am.
