A military aircraft King Air 350 has crashed in Abuja while returning from Minna, Niger State capital.
Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation confirmed the incident.
“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any,” Sirika said on Twitter.
There appeared to be casualties from the crash but the figure was not immediately clear.
A military aircraft just crashed, close to Abuja airport‼️ pic.twitter.com/BoUvlGqf9u
— jonathan elendu (@jelendu1) February 21, 2021
Men of Nigerian Fire Service have arrived the scene of the crash.
Meanwhile, authorities of the Nigerian Air Force have confirmed that all the seven personnel on board the aircraft died.
A Twitter handle of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson said 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 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” the Twitter message read.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), @CAS_IOAmao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”