A Boeing 737 plane was hit by a thunderous “loud bang” that ripped through the aircraft’s cabin mid-flight, forcing it to rush to the nearest airport.

Passengers travelling on Arik Air flight W3740 reportedly heard a loud noise from the aircraft’s left wing on Wednesday morning. The flight left from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and was heading to Port Harcourt. The images released shows the plane’s engine torn open with its outer casing completely ripped away, leaving internal wiring, pipes and mechanical components completely exposed.

Around 80 passengers were travelling on the plane when it was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport – the nearest suitable landing site.

Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said: “During the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.

“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.”

Arik Air said in a statement: “There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.

“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”

The plane touched down safely at Benin Airport at around 10:30am local time. All 80 passengers on board are safe and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since launched an investigation into the incident.

The bureau said one of the aircraft’s engines had suffered “significant damage” as a result of the malfunction.