KANO, OCT 25 – About three people were killed in a helicopter crash in Nigeria’s oil-rich Port Harcourt state yesterday, with five others reported missing, the agency reported. Anatolia which cited the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The accident was reported to have occurred at 11:22 am local time in Rivers State near the country’s Atlantic coast.
The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation was on its way from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig when it crashed near the town of Finima.
Ministry spokesman Odutayo Oluseyi said eight people were on board the plane when it crashed, including three who were confirmed dead.
He said the military also participated in the search for survivors, assisted by low-flying aircraft.
The incident comes after several other fatal helicopter crashes, raising concerns among aviation and safety experts. Calls are growing in the country for civil aviation authorities and the military to strengthen operational standards and tighten safety regulations. – Named
