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Liberia Airport Incident Disrupts Flights as Presidential Jet Falters

It was a night of sudden disruptions at Liberia’s main airport on Thursday when a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai encountered a severe landing gear malfunction, nearly leading to a crash. The incident, which unfolded at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), caused immediate panic and led to the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the remainder of the evening.

The presidential jet, returning from a diplomatic trip in Nigeria, experienced a rough landing due to part of its landing gear failing. Airport authorities were swift to respond, safely evacuating President Boakai and his entourage, who were unharmed.

Local media, citing firsthand accounts from airport officials, reported that the aircraft’s ordeal began when one of its tires burst upon landing, leaving the jet stranded on the runway. This unexpected event prompted an influx of emergency services at the scene, ensuring no further escalation of the incident.

In the wake of the chaos, photos of the incapacitated jet circulated widely on social media, raising public concern over the president’s safety and the overall integrity of airport operations. The images showed the jet awkwardly halted on the tarmac, surrounded by emergency personnel.

The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) was quick to issue a statement addressing the incident.

The authority described the event as an “unfortunate near-accident situation” and reassured the public that the runway’s condition did not contribute to the mishap. LAA Statement

Further dispelling rumors, the LAA affirmed, “The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” emphasizing that the facility maintains rigorous safety protocols aligned with global best practices.

Subsequent to the incident, the aircraft was removed, and the airport resumed normal operations. The LAA has initiated a thorough investigation to pinpoint the precise cause of the landing gear failure. “At this stage, investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing, and the airport authority will keep the public informed,” stated the LAA.

Despite the unsettling experience, President Boakai appeared composed as he addressed the media shortly after the incident. He had been in Nigeria attending the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), focusing on regional collaboration and economic development.

The Liberian presidency has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, it shared images of President Boakai at the airport, engaging with the press but steering clear of discussing the near mishap.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen challenges in aviation and the critical importance of stringent safety measures. The swift response by the airport authorities and emergency services helped avert a potential catastrophe, highlighting the effectiveness of existing emergency protocols.