In an unfortunate incident, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter involved in a critical casualty evacuation mission crashed on Monday, casting a shadow over the skies near Chukuba Village within the jurisdiction of Niger State.
The incident, occurring at approximately 1:00 pm local time, was confirmed by Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force.
While details remain scarce, the helicopter, which had taken off from Zungeru Primary School and was en route to Kaduna, met an untimely fate, revealing the gravity of the situation as rescue operations swung into action.
As of the time of this press release, the precise number of individuals on board the ill-fated aircraft as well as their condition remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Edward Gabkwet stated, “The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.”
In the wake of the tragic incident, extensive efforts are underway to salvage both the crew members and passengers trapped within the wreckage, marking a race against time to minimize potential casualties.
Concurrently, initial inquiries into the crash’s root causes have commenced, as authorities endeavor to unravel the factors that led to this devastating event.
This incident revives haunting memories of a similar catastrophe that struck on February 22, 2021, when seven personnel from the Nigerian Air Force met their untimely demise.
The ill-fated flight, en route from Abuja to Minna, was tragically cut short when their aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja, serving as a somber reminder of the inherent risks in aviation operations.
As investigations continue and rescue operations intensify, the nation’s collective heart aches for those affected by this recent incident, while also reflecting upon the broader challenges faced by those who bravely serve in the Nigerian Air Force.
