A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter met with a tragic accident on Wednesday, crashing during a casualty evacuation mission.
The aircraft, which had departed from Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna, tragically crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident in a statement released earlier today.
According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the helicopter was engaged in a vital casualty evacuation operation when the crash took place.
READ ALSO: Naira’s Decline Deepens Amidst Banks’ Dollar Shortage
The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with preliminary inquiries underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
Gabkwet expressed the Air Force’s deep concern for the well-being of the crew and passengers who were on board the ill-fated helicopter.
Immediate efforts have been set in motion to rescue those onboard, with search and rescue teams working tirelessly to provide aid in the aftermath of the crash.
The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, August 14, 2023, at about 1.1.00 pm Chukuba Village in Niger State.
“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.”
“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash.”
