Nigerian air force passenger plane crash kills seven


FE Team | Published: February 21, 2021 20:35:27 | Updated: February 27, 2021 16:48:41


People watch as rescuers inspect the debris from a Nigerian air force plane, which crashed while approaching the Abuja airport runway according to aviation minister, in Abuja, Nigeria February 21, 2021. REUTERS/Abraham Achirga

A small Nigerian air force passenger plane crashed just outside Abuja airport due to engine failure on Sunday, killing all seven people on board, the air force said.

“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash,” said air force spokesman Ibikunle Daramole in a statement.

The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure en route to Minna, he said. The city of Minna lies about 110 kilometres (68 miles) northwest of Abuja.

In scrubland just outside the airport perimeter, dozens of military and airport officials picked through the charred remnants of the airplane.

Fire engines and ambulances stood by. The smell of burning chemicals lingered in the air but no fire or smoke were visible, a Reuters witness said.

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