Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 Crash Kills 32, Tinubu Orders Full Investigation

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has crashed in southwestern Nigeria, killing all 32 people on board. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the accident.

The ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, was flying from Benin City to Lagos when it lost contact with air traffic control.

Aircraft Lost Contact En Route to Lagos

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.

According to available information, the aircraft departed Benin City before losing communication at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday.

Air traffic controllers made several attempts to contact the aircraft. However, they received no response.

The Nigerian Air Force then launched a search-and-rescue operation.

The wreckage was later found near Igbokoda in Ondo State. Authorities confirmed that all 32 people on board died in the crash.

Tinubu Orders Full Investigation

President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident. He also extended his condolences to the victims’ families and the Nigerian Air Force.

The President directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.

The investigation is expected to establish what caused the aircraft to lose communication and eventually crash. It will also recommend measures to prevent a similar incident.

Cause of Crash Remains Unknown

The ATR-42 is one of the aircraft platforms operated by the Nigerian Air Force. It can support missions such as maritime patrol, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established.

Investigators are expected to examine several factors. These may include the aircraft’s technical condition, weather and flight operations.

No cause has been confirmed at this stage.

Nigeria’s aviation safety investigation authorities have also indicated that technical assistance could be provided if requested by the military. Such support could include the analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings.

The investigation will seek to determine why the aircraft lost communication while travelling to Lagos and what led to the fatal crash.

Africa China News will continue to monitor the developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.