A Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday, 5 October, with 32 people believed to have been on board, according to preliminary information from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. Search and rescue operations are under way. Authorities have not confirmed how many people survived or died.
The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am. Keyamo said the wreckage was later located close to the naval base in Igbokoda. His initial information indicated that the aircraft carried 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Air Force identifies the aircraft
The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42. In a statement reported by Premium Times, Air Force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said it had been on a routine mission and that personnel were working with emergency agencies on the search and rescue operation. The Air Force statement did not provide a casualty figure.
The Associated Press spoke with local residents who described debris near a river. Their accounts offer an early picture of the crash site, but do not establish the number or condition of those on board.
The cause of the crash is also unknown. Further information on casualties and the rescue effort should come from the Air Force and emergency authorities. Until then, 32 must be reported as the preliminary number aboard, not a death toll.
