A Boeing 350 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force has crashed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The country’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika announced the crash of the military aircraft on Twitter.
He wrote that “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.
It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.
A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.?????
— Hadi Sirika (@hadisirika) February 21, 2021
The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said seven persons onboard the aircraft died when the jet crashed.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said an immediate probe of the accident has been ordered.
He said “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 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
Some eyewitnesses say the pilot managed to fly the aircraft away from residential area to avoid major causalities.
The pilot is a hero!
This aircraft should have crashed into the residential area but we watched him maneuver into a free bush to crash. ???? Abuja Airport pic.twitter.com/mqg7VVHPEf— Bliss Oharisi (@blissoharisi) February 21, 2021
President Buhari in a statement said he mourned “the unfortunate loss of our dedicated & courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty. I pray that God will comfort the bereaved families & the nation, and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.”
I join the Nigerian Air Force, the military & all Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of our dedicated & courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty. I pray that God will comfort the bereaved families & the nation, and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 21, 2021
Source: Africafeeds.com
