By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS – Luck came the way of a pilot and passenger of an aircraft which crashed into a building and burst inyo flame at Oba Akran, Ikeja area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 1:41pm local time, adjacent AP Filling Station, and United Bank For Africa.
Fear gripped residents and road users as the incident resulted in gridlock that lasted for hours.
Eye witnesses’ accounts said the light single engine aircraft, turbo 5N-CCQ crashed on a major road.
The South African made Javir plane said to be owned Airfirst hospitality and Tour Ltd had two occupants, the pilot and messager onboard when it crashed landed.
The incident was confirmed by the Coordinator, Lagos State Terrorial District, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu who said no life was lost to the incident.
In his updates, the Permanent Secretary said, “The agency has activated its disaster response plan to the above incident which occurred around 1600hrs.
” A helicopter containing two persons including the pilot crash landed in front of the United Bank of Africa branch on the road.
“The casualties have been retrieved from the aircraft alive. They have been transferred to hospital for further care.
The area has been cordoned off and is being blanketed to prevent a secondary incident.” He said.
At about 6p. m, he said, “The agency activated its disaster response plan to the above incident which occurred around 1600hrs. The scene has been discharged at 1730 hrs.
” The Single engine fixed wing –
Jabiru aircraft registered 5NCCQ was finally confirmed to contain 2 passengers and it has been safely removed from the road which is now free for vehicular movement.
” All Emergency Responders are now departing the scene. Further investigation to be carried out by NCAA.”
The Director General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret said, *Helicopter Crash: All Four Crew Members Rescued*
“A private training helicopter has crashed at Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.
” The accident occurred while the chopper was on a training exercise with its occupants on board before crashing into an old communication pole opposite UBA, inward Ikeja bus stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.
“The impact of the crash resulted into an inferno and was swiftly put out.
The occupants were rescued with varying degree of injuries.
” The motorised escort crew to the helicopter were joined by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service headquarters and Ikeja to avert secondary occurrence.
Danger has completely been averted. Operations concluded.”
