…commiserate with military, victims’ families
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it is ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with the technical support it may require as it carries out search and rescue operations at the site of an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The Bureau, which commiserated with the military, said it will not hesitate to deploy investigators with the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, and that Search and Rescue operations have been activated and are ongoing, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them, and with the Search and Rescue teams working at the site.
“The NSIB stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required. That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
“As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force.”, a statement signed by Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General / Chief Executive Officer, NSIB said.
The NSIB commended the swift activation of Search and Rescue and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda, urging the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and on any investigation.
