FG Orders Probe as Test-Flight Plane Crashes on Lagos Road
Panic ensued on Tuesday in the Oba Akran area of Ikeja, Lagos State, as a light single-engine airplane crashed on the road and burst into flames. The incident took place opposite the United Bank for Africa around 3:30 pm.
Reports indicate that only two people, the pilot, and a passenger, were onboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the crash in a statement, revealing that the aircraft, a Jabiru J430 with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-CCQ, was operated by Air First Hospitality & Tours and was on a test flight during the incident.
The NSIB further disclosed that they have initiated an investigation into the accident.
A video of the incident circulated online, capturing the aircraft crashing on the road and immediately catching fire. The sight of the crash sent residents into a state of panic, with many seen running for safety.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the crash. The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, reported that two individuals were rescued with varying degrees of injury.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Director General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that their disaster response plan had been activated promptly.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments, noting that a white Hilux vehicle narrowly avoided being involved in the crash. The aircraft reportedly hit a pole and struggled in the air before igniting into flames.
Ibrahim Farinloye, the Coordinator of the South-West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that some personal belongings of the two occupants were retrieved from the scene.
The state Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, also visited the site, assuring that the police were collaborating with emergency responders. He confirmed that the engine and other items had been secured and would be processed for further investigation by the accident investigation bureau of the airport authority.
It was noted by residents that a gas pipeline of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited runs through the area, making the situation even more potentially dangerous. Thankfully, the impact was contained due to the rainfall at the time.
The NSIB emphasized that the aircraft caught fire upon impact, but the spread of the fire was limited by the rainfall. The two occupants of the aircraft were taken to the hospital for treatment.
As investigations continue, the cause of the crash remains unknown. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the crash site and commended the swift response of residents who helped rescue the occupants of the aircraft. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the unfortunate incident.
