Helicopter Crashes in Ondo

Author: Gist Correspondent

A suspected military helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the fate of personnel reportedly on board yet to be confirmed.

The helicopter reportedly went down on Monday morning in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda, causing panic among residents of the coastal community.

Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists, saying the aircraft was completely burnt in the crash.

“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,” he said.

Sources said the crash occurred in difficult swampy terrain, while security personnel and relevant authorities moved to secure the area and commence an assessment of the scene.

Military equipment was reportedly recovered from the crash site, further raising suspicions that the aircraft may have belonged to the military.

Residents and witnesses were said to have gathered around the area following the crash, as authorities worked to establish what happened.

However, the identity and origin of the helicopter, its destination and the circumstances leading to the crash remained unclear as of press time.

The number and identities of those who may have been on board were also yet to be established.

There was no official statement from the military or other relevant authorities confirming the identity of the aircraft or the status of its occupants at the time of filing this report.

Authorities are expected to provide further details as search and assessment operations at the crash site continue.