Tragedy struck in Kaduna, yesterday, when an Air Force helicopter allegedly crashed at Tami Village in Igabi Local Council of the state.
Eyewitnesses said that the pilot survived the crash through the emergency exit.
However, the Nigeria Air force (NAF) has said that it was its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that crashed and not an aircraft.
Yet, contrary to NAF’s denial, eyewitness said the incident occurred at approximately 5.00 a.m., causing huge panic among residents.
“The helicopter”, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the accident.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed.
Residents quickly converged at the crash site, offering assistance to the survivor.
“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” a local said.
It was learnt that a team of military officers from the Nigerian Air Force swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.
They cordoned off the crash site to prevent unauthorised access and ensure safety of the villagers. The officers also began preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash.
The force, in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, clarified: “Be informed that no helicopter crash occurred. Instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 kilometres from Base.”
According to the spokesman, “since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations.”
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of breaking news without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety.”
