Rescuers and people gather near the debris of a Nigerian air force plane, which according to the aviation minister crashed while approaching the Abuja airport runway
ABUJA, Feb 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Nigerian air force plane crashed while approaching the Abuja airport runway due to engine failure on Sunday, Nigeria’s aviation minister said.
Hadi Sirika said on his Twitter account that “a military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en route Minna.”
He gave no details on casualties but wrote: “It appears to be fatal.”
He added: “We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of an investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”
No other information was immediately available.
Minna is a city about 110 kilometres northwest of Abuja.
A Nigerian Air Force spokesman said he was driving to the airport because of the crash, but gave no additional information. — NNN-AGENCIES