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7 killed as Nigerian military aircraft crashes near Abuja airport - ALJAZEERA
Air force says King Air 350 crashed after reporting engine failure, killing everyone on board.
A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed near Abuja airport, killing all seven people on board, according to officials.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” Ibikunle Daramole, air force spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure en route to Minna, he said.
Minna is a city about 110km (69 miles) northwest of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
In scrubland just outside the airport perimeter, dozens of military and airport officials picked through the charred remnants of the aeroplane.
Fire engines and ambulances stood by. The smell of burning chemicals lingered in the air but no fire or smoke was visible, a witness told the Reuters news agency.
The air force said an investigation into the crash was under way.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika also confirmed the accident.
“We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military,” Hadi said in a Twitter post.
SOURCE : AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES