The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified recovery operations at the site of its crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with continuous pumping significantly reducing the water level and creating improved conditions for the recovery of the aircraft.
The operation, which entered its 14th day on Sunday, has continued under difficult terrain and environmental conditions, requiring sustained engineering work, de-watering and reinforcement of the embankment surrounding the crash site.
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, explaining that recovery personnel were working towards removing most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions.
Ejodame said the ongoing reinforcement of the embankment with sandbags was intended to prevent collapse and maintain stability as the de-watering operation progressed.
According to him, the extensive engineering requirements and challenging conditions at the site underscored the complexity of the recovery mission and the need for a careful, methodical approach.
The aircraft, which crashed on October 5 while travelling from Benin to Lagos, had 25 personnel on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, according to the casualty figure previously released by the Air Force.
The crash prompted a national outpouring of grief, while the military authorities commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the dedication and professionalism of personnel involved in the recovery operation, as well as the contributions of partner agencies assisting the Air Force.
He particularly acknowledged the support of Hitech Construction Company, describing its assistance as invaluable to the ongoing exercise.
Aneke praised the recovery team for its resilience under difficult conditions and reaffirmed the Air Force’s determination to complete the operation safely and systematically.
He said the NAF would continue supporting the aircraft crash investigation as recovery work progressed, stressing the importance of ensuring that the exercise was conducted without compromising the safety of personnel or the integrity of the process.
The Air Force chief also acknowledged the anguish of families who lost loved ones in the crash, assuring them of the service’s continued concern and sympathy.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to bringing the recovery mission to a conclusion.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the Air Force having earlier constituted an investigative panel involving relevant aviation safety authorities to establish the circumstances of the accident.
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