NAF Aircraft Crashes in Ondo with 32 Passengers, Crew Aboard
An aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people reportedly on board.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the aircraft disappeared from radar after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.
According to him, attempts to re-establish radio communication with the aircraft proved unsuccessful before information emerged that it had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
Keyamo said the wreckage had subsequently been located, adding that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard.
The minister, however, did not disclose the condition or identities of those on board, as search-and-rescue operations were still underway.
Read Also:
Confirming the incident, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had immediately activated search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
He said the aircraft was conducting a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course,” Ejodame said.
A community leader in Igbokoda had earlier confirmed the crash, although residents were initially unable to establish the exact location of the aircraft or details about casualties.
Keyamo said the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority did not regulate or control military aircraft but assured that the ministry would provide full cooperation and assistance to the ongoing rescue operation.
He added that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over the incident.
Further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of those aboard are expected as search-and-rescue operations continue.
By PRNigeria
