Panic gripped residents of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday morning following the crash of a suspected military helicopter in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in the coastal community.
The aircraft reportedly crashed in the swampy terrain, with personnel believed to have been on board feared dead. However, the identity of the helicopter and the exact number of people aboard had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Military equipment was reportedly recovered from the crash site, while the helicopter was said to have been completely destroyed by fire.
The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists.
According to him, authorities had confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but the number of personnel on board remained unknown.
“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,” Oripelaye said.
Sources said the aircraft came down in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base, prompting security personnel and relevant authorities to move to secure the area and begin preliminary assessment of the crash site.
Residents and witnesses reportedly gathered around the vicinity of the incident as authorities commenced efforts to determine what happened and establish the identity of the aircraft.
As of press time, the helicopter’s origin, destination and operational purpose remained unclear. There was also no official statement from the military or other relevant authorities confirming the identity of the aircraft or the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The number and identities of those who may have been on board also remained unconfirmed.
Further details are expected as authorities continue their assessment of the crash site and investigation into the incident.
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