By Esi-ife Arogundade
Yesterday, 10th December 2024, marked the 19th anniversary of the tragic Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash, one of the most catastrophic events in Nigeria’s aviation history.
This date remains etched in the memories of many Nigerians as a symbol of profound loss, and it has sparked discussions on social media, with users paying tribute to the victims.
On this day in 2005, Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 aircraft, crashed while attempting to land at Port Harcourt International Airport after departing from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The accident, attributed to pilot error and exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, claimed the lives of 108 out of the 110 people on board. Among the victims were 60 students from Loyola Jesuit College in Abuja, who were traveling home for the Christmas holiday.
Marking the 19th anniversary of the tragedy, one of the three survivors, Kechi Okwuchi took to her social media account to express her hopes and prayers that the departed souls should continue to watch over her as she strives to make them proud.
Okwuchi, a 2017 finalist of America’s Got Talents season 12 is now a motivational speaker.
She tweeted, “Today is the 19th anniversary of the Sosoliso plane crash. I hope the 60 Angels keep watch over me as I navigate life, living out God’s purpose for me. I hope their loved ones, who’ve rooted for me since day one, are proud of me and that I can keep giving them reasons to smile.”
The Sosoliso crash was the second major air disaster in Nigeria within three months, following the Bellview Airlines Flight 210 crash in October 2005.
