An Associated Airlines chartered flight has crashed in Lagos shortly after takeoff around 9.30 am from the Muritala Muhammed International Airport.
The plane said to be carrying the body of the late former Governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Agagau was said to have suffered engine failure and crash-landed close to the airport fuel depot, killing about eight people.
“It was going to Akure (in the southwest). The engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames,” said Supo Atobatele, spokesman for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA spokesperson also confirmed the crash. “A plane has crashed in Lagos this morning shortly after takeoff at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
“The crash occurred around the fuel dump within the vicinity of the airport as the plane was flying to Akure.
“The National Emergency Management Agency, upon getting alerts immediately after the crash from the COSPASS SARSAT equipment at its Mission Control Centre mobilized the response agencies for search and rescue operations. so far, eight bodies and one survival have been recovered from the site”, Ezekiel stated.
Already, Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah has confirmed 14 people dead.
The passengers aboard the ill-fated plane were Feyi Agagu, Femi Akinsanya, Akintunde JosephAkeem Akintunde, Tunji Okusanya, Chijioke Duru, Kingsley Amaechi, Deji Afolabi, Mrs. E.O. Alabi, Daji Bernard, Deji Falae, Samson Hassan and Olatunji Okusanya
The Crew members were Captain. Yakubu, Flight officer Oyinlola, Engr. Saroh Elaiye Flight dispatcher Ibrahim, Mr. Felix Tatoye and Cabin attendants Owolabi and Samson.
