Nigerian Air Force ATR42 crashes near Igbokoda

A Nigerian Air Force ATR42 crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State while flying from Benin to Lagos on Monday, and search-and-rescue operations were underway after authorities located the wreckage. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said preliminary information indicated that 32 people were aboard, but officials had not confirmed how many survived or were injured or killed. Keyamo said air traffic controllers reported losing contact with the aircraft, tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 a.m. After unsuccessful attempts to reach it by radio, authorities received confirmation that it had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. The wreckage was subsequently located, he said. The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR42 and said it was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Keyamo said the preliminary headcount was 25 passengers and seven crew members. Authorities had not released the identities of those aboard or a confirmed casualty figure in the reports available Monday. Rescue teams were working at the crash site, described in reports as difficult, swampy terrain near a river. The location is in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area.