Nigeria: Military plane crashed 7 killed on spot
A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed near Abuja airport, killing all seven people on board, according to officials.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” Ibikunle Daramole; air force spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed; while returning to the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure in route to Minna, he said.
Air Vice-Marshal Ibikunle Daramola of the Nigerian air force said in a tweet “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure in route Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash”
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), @CAS_IOAmao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.
— Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) February 21, 2021
Minna is a city about 110km (69 miles) northwest of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
In scrubland just outside the airport perimeter; dozens of military and airport officials picked through the charred remnants of the airplane.
Fire engines and ambulances stood by. The smell of burning chemicals lingered in the air but no fire or smoke was visible, a witness told the local news agency.
The air force said an investigation into the crash was underway.
“We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of an investigation by the military,” Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika said in a Twitter post.
Photos of the crash site show black clouds
Photos of the crash site show black clouds of smoke over parts of the shattered plane. Witnesses told local media they saw the plane struggling to turn around and get back to the airport before the plane exploded.
