Crew members survive as NAF helicopter crashes in Port Harcourt

The capital of Rivers State, Port Harcourt, saw the Friday morning crash and explosion of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter.

All five crew members survived the crash, while the cause is still under investigation. They were taken to a military base for medical attention.

The incident happened at roughly 7.45 am, not long after the plane took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State, according to a statement from Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet, a spokesman for the NAF.

“The entire crew of five, fortunately, survived the crash with very minor injuries,” he stated. “They are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt.”

In order to personally examine the situation and “see to the wellbeing of the crew and give further directives,” he continued, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, had moved directly to Port Harcourt.

The event, according to a NAF spokeswoman, is “another sobering reminder of the risks associated with military flying and the onerous tasks NAF pilots and technicians face in defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities.”