FCT: Crashed military plane killed nobody on ground – FERMA

THE  Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency has refuted reports that some people were killed on the ground following the crash of  Beechcraft KingAir B350i military aircraft today.

The agency stressed that only seven personnel of the Nigerian Air Force on board the ill-fated plane died in the crash noting that it had since recovered their bodies and deposited them at the Nigeria Air Force morgue.

The FERMA Director-General, Alhaji Abass Idriss, disclosed this today, hours after the tragic incident.

He said, “We recovered seven bodies from the crash site and the remains have been taken to the NAF morgue. The NAF has the manifest and they know all those on board. The plane did not crash into any building or individuals on the ground, so all the people on board have been accounted for.”

The Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal I. Amao, has ordered an immediate probe of the accident.

Daramola said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”

 The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft, en route to Minna in Niger State,  crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure.