On Friday morning, in the capital of Rivers State, Port Harcourt, saw the crash and explosion of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter.
Although the cause of the crash is yet unknown, all five crew members have survived and have been sent to a military facility for medical attention.
The incident happened at around 7.45 am, according to a statement from Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet, a spokesman for the NAF, just after the plane took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
“Thankfully, all five members of the crew survived the crash with very minor injuries, and they are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Medical Center Port Harcourt,” he stated.
He went on to say that Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, had flown straight to Port Harcourt to personally inspect the situation and “see to the wellbeing of the crew and give further directives.”
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According to a NAF official, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the perils involved with military aviation as well as “the onerous tasks NAF pilots and technicians face in their deterrent of criminal elements’ nefarious activities” and country defense.
