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Near-miss landing incident involving Liberian presidential jet
Flights at Liberia's main airport faced disruption on Thursday night following a near-accident involving a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai. The aircraft experienced a malfunction with its landing gear during its approach to the runway, leading to a rough landing, as reported by airport authorities.
The incident caused significant panic at Roberts International Airport, prompting the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night. President Boakai, returning from a trip to Nigeria with his entourage, was safely evacuated without injury, while an investigation into the incident was announced.
Images of the stranded presidential jet began circulating on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the president. Local media reported that one of the jet's tires burst upon landing, leaving the aircraft immobilized on the runway.
The Liberia Airport Authority confirmed the "unfortunate near-accident situation" involving the presidential jet, refuting claims that poor runway conditions contributed to the incident. "The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards," the authority stated.
Following the incident, the aircraft was removed from the runway, and normal operations resumed. The airport authority indicated that an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the malfunction, assuring the public that updates will be provided.
While the Liberian presidency has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident, photos shared on social media depicted President Boakai's arrival at the airport, where he briefly addressed journalists without mentioning the plane scare. The president had traveled to Nigeria to attend the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).