By John Ikani
Chaos erupted in the Oba Akran Ikeja area of Lagos State on Tuesday when an unidentified helicopter tragically crashed and burst into flames on impact.
The distressing incident took place near the AP Filling Station and United Bank for Africa at Oba Akran, around 3.30 pm, as per eyewitness accounts.
As of the time of filing this report, the fate of the chopper’s pilots remains uncertain, and it is unclear if there are other casualties. First responders are currently engaged in rescue efforts to address the situation.
Helicopter crash in Lagos State
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What you should know
Lagos State has had a history of helicopter crashes. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
• August 28, 2020: A Quorum Aviation helicopter crashed into a building in Opebi, Lagos, killing two people and injuring one. The helicopter was returning from training in Port Harcourt when it crashed. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
• December 13, 2012: A Bristow Helicopters helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Lagos, killing all 12 people on board. The helicopter was en route to a rig in the oil-rich Niger Delta when it crashed. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
•March 11, 2009: A Bell 206 helicopter crashed into a residential area in Ikoyi, Lagos, killing all four people on board. The helicopter was on a training flight when it crashed. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
In an effort to improve air safety in Lagos, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has implemented a number of measures, including stricter training requirements for pilots and increased maintenance checks for helicopters.
However, it appears more needs to be done to prevent future helicopter crashes in Lagos.
