The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday evening, visited the site of a crash in Ikeja and commended the efforts of all the first responders as well as residents who joined in the rescue mission.
This is even as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has commenced an investigation into the accident.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement, described the aircraft as a single-engine fixed-wing Jabiru aircraft with registration number 5NCCQ.
The small plane with two passengers on board crash-landed into an old communication pole inward Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos around 4 pm on Tuesday.
The two occupants of the helicopter were rescued and are being attended to at the hospital, the statement added.
Speaking to journalists after assessing the site of the private helicopter crash, Sanwo-Olu, who stopped at the site on his way from the airport after joining President Bola Tinubu on a trip to the Benin Republic, said no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.
Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked God that the incident did not result in any fatality, saying the extensive investigation into the incident would be carried out by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The Governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management services, which relentlessly cleared the road of debris from the helicopter. He also praised residents of the neighbourhood and two individuals – Oluwafemi and Opeyemi, who participated in putting out the fire from the aircraft after it crash-landed.
Hear him: “There was an unfortunate helicopter crash on the road of Oba Akran right in the middle of the road. It was a single-engine helicopter that had two passengers on board. The two passengers on board have been rescued. They are currently at a hospital and are receiving treatment as we speak.
“We do not know the cause of the helicopter crash. That would be done by experts at the NSIB, which is an investigative bureau.
But we are thankful that we got a very quick response both from Lagos State Emergency Service (LASEMA) and all the residents of the neighbourhood, especially two very gallant citizens; Oluwafemi and Opeyemi.
While everybody was running away, Opeyemi and Oluwafemi were the very first people that looked for water from around the vicinity and they were able to also help to rescue the two passengers that were inside the helicopter.
“We could see that the crash site had been secured. All the wreckage has been evacuated and moved into a truck right. It would be transported officially and handed over to the Nigerian Aviation Authority where I am sure necessary investigations would be done.
“We are thankful to all the residents and all of you that came out very quickly and were able to rescue the occupants. Thanks to workers at the fuel station because where the crash happened was a gas line. I am thankful to the two people I mentioned earlier and I am sure we are happy that while the unfortunate incident happened in the middle of the road, it has not led to any fatality.
“I am sure there would be official information from the Airport Authority themselves, FAAN on the incident. I am just coming from the airport to see and assess what has been the situation. I am just arriving from Benin with Mr. President.
“We thank God, it wasn’t more than this. I am sure the investigation would reveal all of the things that have gone wrong and we are hoping that the people responsible will be held accountable at the end of the day.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has commenced an investigation into the accident.
In a statement, the NSIB says, the accident which occurred around 3pm involved a Jabiru J430, a light single aeroplane with nationality and registration Marks 5N-CCQ operated by Air First Hospitality & Tours.
The statement says the aircraft was on a test flight within Lagos with two passengers onboard before it crashed with no fatalities.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft caught fire on impact but the spread was contained by the rainfall at the time of impact and the two occupants on board were taken to the hospital.
The NSIB called on the general public to assist the bureau with pictures, video or recording evidence in conducting a comprehensive investigation.
