A military helicopter carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed in southwestern Nigeria, the aviation minister said on Monday, Reuters reports.
Festus Keyamo said the helicopter crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and that the wreckage had been located and search and rescue operations were ongoing.
There was no immediate confirmation of casualties from the crash.
The helicopter, which reportedly crashed in a swampy terrain opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda, has thrown residents of the coastal community into panic.
Although the identity of the helicopter and the number of personnel on board had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, military gear was reportedly recovered from the crash site.
The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists including Thisday, said the helicopter had been burnt to rubble.
Oripelaye said, “We have confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that were on board yet. Military gear was found at the scene, but the helicopter had burnt to rubble.”
Residents and witnesses were said to have gathered around the area as relevant authorities commenced assessment of the crash site.
The origin, destination and nature of the helicopter remained unclear as of press time, while there was no official statement from the military or other relevant authorities confirming the identity of the aircraft.
Further details, including the owner of the aircraft, the number of personnel on board and confirmed casualties, are expected from the authorities as assessment of the crash continues.
