Seven people on board a military aircraft died in a crash near Nigeria’s capital Abuja, the country’s air force spokesman said.
Rescuers and people gather near the debris of a Nigerian air force plane, which according to the aviation minister crashed while approaching the Abuja airport runway, in Abuja February 21, 2021.
The cause of the accident is still unknown but officials said the pilot had reported an engine failure.
“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure,” spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement.
“Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” he added.
Video posted to social media showed water can not be used to extinguish the flames at the scene, while a large number of onlookers crowded around.
The air force said an investigation into the accident was underway.
Nigeria’s minister of aviation Sirika Hadi also confirmed the accident.
“We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigation by the military,” Hadi said in a Tweet.
The plane was heading to Minna, the capital of nearby Niger state.
See video below;
