On the evening of August 1, 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State visited the scene of a helicopter crash that occurred on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja.
After assessing the site of the unfortunate incident involving a single-engine fixed-wing Jabiru aircraft with registration number 5NCCQ, the governor commended the efforts of the first responders and residents who swiftly joined the rescue mission.
The aircraft, carrying two passengers, crash-landed into an old communication pole near Ikeja Bus Stop at around 4:00 p.m. Fortunately, both occupants of the helicopter were successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical attention at the hospital.
”There was an unfortunate helicopter crash on the road of Oba Akran, right in the middle of the road. It was a single-engine helicopter that had two passengers on board.
”The two passengers on board have been rescued. They are currently at a hospital and are receiving treatment as we speak.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed relief that no lives were lost in the accident and assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to determine the cause of the crash.
The governor praised the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for their relentless efforts in clearing the road of debris from the helicopter wreckage.
He also extended his gratitude to the local residents and two individuals, Oluwafemi and Opeyemi, who fearlessly took action to extinguish the fire that broke out after the crash.
Despite the chaos, Opeyemi and Oluwafemi bravely sought water and assisted in rescuing the passengers from the aircraft.
”We do not know the cause of the helicopter crash. That would be done by experts at the NSIB, which is an investigative bureau.
”We could see that the crash site had been secured. All the wreckage has been evacuated and moved into a truck.
“It would be transported officially and handed over to the Nigerian Aviation Authority where I am sure necessary investigations would be done.
”We are thankful to all the residents and all of you that came out very quickly and were able to rescue the occupants. Thanks to workers at the fuel station because where the crash happened was a gas line.
”I am thankful to the two people I mentioned earlier and I am sure we are happy that while the unfortunate incident happened in the middle of the road, it has not led to any fatality,” he said.
”We thank God, it wasn’t more than this. I am sure the investigation would reveal all of the things that have gone wrong and we are hoping that the people responsible will be held accountable at the end of the day,” Sanwo-olu said.
