A Nigerian Air Force helicopter on Friday crashed just after take-off and exploded at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Although what led to the crash could not be immediately ascertained, it was learnt that the incident occurred before 8 am.
A source who resides at the NAF Base located along the busy Aba Road in Port Harcourt said he was taking his child to school when he heard a very loud sound.
The source, who preferred anonymity, said, “I was taking my son to school around 7:45 am when I heard a thunderous sound at the NAF base. So, I went back inside my apartment.
“The next thing I saw was thick smoke and flames. Immediately, I knew that something terrible had happened but I couldn’t go close to find out whether there were casualties.”
Our reporter who went to the NAF base observed that there was an unusual security presence at the main entrance as about six soldiers were seen screening people and vehicles trying to access the area.
Our correspondent was not allowed access to the scene as the soldiers said politely that they had orders not to allow anyone in, except staff members and workers, even as many motorists were seen making a U-turn.
A Point of Sale operator opposite the NAF base told our reporter that no sooner had she finished setting up her shop than she heard a loud explosion from the direction of the base.
She stated, “I just finished sweeping and was arranging my business when I had a sound coming from the base. So, we started looking. The next thing I saw was black smoke.”
To gain access to the area, our reporter went through the route leading to Eliozu.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official of one of the private airlines said, “For some reason, we are having many visitors today because of the Air Force jet that crashed after take-off this morning.
“I don’t know who is allowing these people to come in through the gate. Thank God there was no casualty, just minor injuries.”
At the private facilities, businesses were still operational, but it was gathered some of the crew members onboard the NAF aircraft tried to jump out of the craft but sustained injuries in the process.
Our reporter who spent hours there observed that about two sets of Air Force patrol vans manned by soldiers escorted tinted Sports Utility Vehicles into the NAF premises.
While confirming the crash, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the NAF MI-35P had taken off to embark on an operation against oil thieves in Rivers State when the incident occurred.
Gabkwet disclosed that five persons on board the jet survived with minor injuries.
The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force MI-35P helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt today, December 1, 2023. The unfortunate incident occurred at about 7.45 am shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
“Fortunately, the entire crew of five survived the crash with very minor injuries and are currently being attended to at the NAF Medical Centre, Port Harcourt.’
He further said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
“The Chief of Air Staff is currently en route to Port Harcourt to assess the situation for himself, see to the wellbeing of the crew, and give further directives.
“An incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities,” the statement added.
It could not be ascertained if the Chief of Air Staff had arrived at the NAF base as of the time of filing the report.
