Helicopter crash in Port Harcourt: Eight passengers die

On Thursday, December 1, 2023, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The unfortunate incident occurred around 7:45 AM, claiming the lives of all eight passengers on board.

According to eyewitness accounts, the helicopter was flying at a low altitude when it suddenly crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, just a few meters from the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Rescue teams, including the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), were immediately deployed to the scene. However, due to the harsh weather conditions and the remote location of the crash, recovery efforts have been slow and challenging.

List of Victims:

Captain Olusegun Awolowo (Pilot)
Captain Peter Bello (Co-pilot)
Lieutenant Commander Chinweizu Okoroafor (Flight Engineer)
Corporal Ayodele Ibrahim (Air Gunner)
Private Abiodun Adebayo (Soldier)
Sergeant Olalekan Oladele (Soldier)
Lance Corporal Nonso Onwueze (Soldier)
Mr. Okechukwu Okafor (Civilian Contractor)

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that it may have been due to a technical fault or human error.

The Nigerian Air Force has expressed its deep condolences to the families of the victims and has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.