A suspected military helicopter has reportedly crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several people feared dead.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, reportedly threw residents of the coastal community into panic as emergency responders and relevant authorities moved to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The helicopter was said to have crashed in swampy terrain opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists, said military gear had been recovered from the crash site.
He, however, said it was too early to determine the number of personnel who might have been on board, noting that the helicopter had reportedly been burnt to rubble.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area.
In a statement issued and signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the police said details surrounding the incident were still emerging as efforts continued to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
The police urged members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The PPRO assured the public that further credible information would be made available as soon as it became available.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the helicopter, the number of people on board and the fate of possible survivors had yet to be officially confirmed.
Sources said efforts were ongoing to secure the crash site, assess the wreckage and establish the extent of casualties.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, including the aircraft’s origin and destination, also remained unclear.
Residents and witnesses were said to have gathered around the area as authorities commenced an assessment of the incident.