The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has begun investigation into an accident involving a helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation which occurred today in Opebi area of Lagos.
As reported earlier by NewsGazette, the helicopter crashed into a building at 16A Salvation Road, Opebi.
AIB in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi said it had taken over the investigation of the accident.
Oketunbi said the agency was notified of the crash the by Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and had commenced investigation into the accident.
He said the Bell 206B3 helicopter marked 5N-BQW operated by Quorum Aviation was coming from Port Harcourt to Lagos, when the accident occurred.
He said there were three passengers onboard adding that the accident claimed two persons while one was hospitalised.
However, it was later confirmed that the third person who was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in a critical state had died.
“As the investigating agency, AIB needs and hereby solicits for your assistance.
“We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the accident; that can assist us with this investigation.
“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and not assume the cause of the accident until formal report is released.
Quorum Aviation said in a statement signed by its management that as soon as it received news of the accident, it promptly informed the aviation authorities, including the AIB and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In its earlier statement, the airline said: “Preliminary reports indicate that of the three souls on board – all crew, two of the crew members lost their lives whilst the third one is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“We have been made to understand that nobody in the building, nor in the vicinity was injured for which we are grateful.
“In accordance with aviation regulations, the AIB has taken over the investigation process. We hereby ask members of the public to await the outcome of the investigation.
“We hereby express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.”
