Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, paid a visit to the scene of an accident in Ikeja on Tuesday evening and praised the efforts of all first responders as well as locals who assisted in the rescue operation.
Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s chief press secretary, identified the aircraft as a single-engine fixed-wing Jabiru with the registration number 5NCCQ in a statement.
Around 4 pm local time on Tuesday, a small plane carrying two people crashed into an old communication pole inside the Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos.
The two helicopter passengers were saved and are receiving medical attention at a hospital in the state, the statement continued.
Sanwo-Olu, who stopped at the disaster site on his way from the airport after traveling to the Benin Republic with President Bola Tinubu, stated no lives were lost in the regrettable occurrence while speaking to reporters after inspecting the crash site.
The governor expressed gratitude to God that no one was killed in the tragedy and announced that the Nigerian Safety Probe Bureau (NSIB) will conduct a thorough probe into it.
He said: “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.
“We do not know the cause of the helicopter crash. That would be done by experts at the NSIB, which is an investigative bureau. But we are thankful that we got a very quick response both from Lagos State Emergency Service (LASEMA) and all the residents of the neighborhood, especially two very gallant citizens; Oluwafemi and Opeyemi. While everybody was running away, Opeyemi and Oluwafemi were the very first people that looked for water and they were able to also help to rescue the two passengers that were inside the helicopter.
“We could see that the crash site had been secured. All the wreckage has been evacuated and moved into a truck right. 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.
“I am sure there would be official information from the Airport Authority themselves, FAAN on the incident. I am just coming from the airport to see and assess what has been the situation. I am just arriving from Benin with Mr. President.
“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.”
