The management of Quorum Aviation, operators of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into residential buildings in Opebi, Ikeja area of Lagos State, said the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), has commenced investigation into the accident.
According to a statement by the management, the light helicopter with registration Number 5N-BQW was flying from Port-Harcourt en-route to Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, when it crashed between two buildings.
Quorom in the statement said, as soon as it received news of the accident, it promptly informed the aviation authorities, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We have been made to understand that nobody in the building, nor in the vicinity was injured for which we are grateful.
“We hereby express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.”
Also, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, which carried out emergency operations at the scene of the accident said the agency received distress calls concerning a privately operated helicopter that crashed into 16 A Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja and immediately activated the emergency response plan.
According to Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu DG/CEO LASEMA, the helicopter was carrying three (3) people, one is in the intensive care unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital while the other two were killed on impact and there bodies has been deposited in mortuary . “We on top of challenges especially crowd control Operation is ongoing and updates will follow”.
However, all three Crew members have now being confirmed dead as at the time of filing this report which include the Captain Chika Prudence Ernest and Engineer on board Clement Ndiok.