Tragedy Strikes as Light Aircraft Crashes in Lagos, Investigations Underway

Pandemonium broke out at Oba Akran, Ikeja area of Lagos State, yesterday, as a light single-engine aircraft, turbo 5N-CCQ, crashed on a major road and burst into flames.

The incident occurred adjacent to AP Filling Station and a commercial bank, on Oba Akran, at about 1.41 pm local time.

The ill-fated J4 30 aircraft type had the pilot and three passengers on board, but their identities were not known at the time of writing this report, though they were said to be foreigners on a test run.

Motorists and commuters scrambled for safety, causing traffic gridlock at the scene and adjoining roads.

Some brave members of the community were the first responders, rescuing the occupants before the arrival of government’s rescue teams. Eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the rescue and firefighting efforts to contain the blaze.

The aircraft was owned by Air First Hospital and Tour, and it was coming in for an emergency landing when it hit a light pole after making a circuit. The aircraft had five hours of fuel endurance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the scene to sympathize with the victims and urged residents to remain calm.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an investigation into the accident and seeks assistance from the public in the form of pictures, videos, or recordings to aid the comprehensive investigation. Meanwhile, Air Peace has denied ownership of the aircraft involved in the crash.