Seven people on board a military aircraft died in a crash Sunday near Nigeria’s capital Abuja, the country’s airforce spokesman said.
The cause of the accident is still unknown but officials said the pilot had reported an engine failure.
“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure,” spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement.
“Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” he added.
Video posted to social media showed water cannon being used to extinguish the flames at the scene, while a large number of onlookers crowded around.
The airforce said an investigation into the accident was underway.
Nigeria’s minister of aviation Sirika Hadi also confirmed the accident.
“We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military,” Hadi said in a Tweet.
The plane was heading to Minna, the capital of nearby Niger state.
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT
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 enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash
— Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) February 21, 2021
In scrubland just outside the airport perimeter, dozens of military and airport officials picked through the charred remnants of the aeroplane.
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 Reuters news agency.
The air force said an investigation into the crash was under way.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika also confirmed the accident.
“We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military,” Hadi said in a Twitter post.
Source: https://www.amevoice.com/Aviation-News/7-killed-in-military-plane-crash-in-nigeria/
