Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has launched preliminary investigation into Associated Airlines plane that crashed at the MMIA in Lagos at about 9.32am yesterday
The aviation accident investigation process is fairly simple on paper, but can be complicated by subtle things like politics, legal action and international differences, as well as physical demands such as rough terrain or post-accident damage from weather.
Also, an emergency response centre has been set up to attend to the families of d victims. The centre could be reached on telephone number 08034034422. Mrs Ify Megwa, co-ordinating crisis centre 01 76072815.01 7936118.
As at the time of this report, so far, there are 4 survivals from the accident receiving further medical attention.
Names of people on board the ill-fated plane include: Tunji Ogunsanya, Femi Agagu, Femi akinsanya, Akeem akintunde, Chidioke Duru, Kingsley Amaechi, Mrs E.O Alabi, Daji Bernard, Deji Falae, Samson Hassan Olatunji Okunsanya, Deji Afolabi, Eng., Elaiye Soroh, Felix Tatoye, Captain Yakubu and FO OyinlolaFD Ibrahim. Flight attendants include Owolabi and Samson
In a press statement, Princess Stella Oduah, minister of Aviation narrated how the crash occurred, “At departure, the crew of the chartered operation reported 20 persons on board, including crew.’
“The Control Tower immediately activated the Crash Alarm of the airport as the first step of the Emergency Response Procedure. The First Responders immediately proceeded to the crash site. The FAAN Fire Service Department, ambulances and other relevant emergency apparatus successfully extinguished the fire within 2 minutes despite the surging crowd.
“The rescue effort secured 6 survivors and 14 fatalities. The 6 survivors were promptly transported to the hospital and are receiving appropriate medical care.
“Rescue Coordination and Trauma Centers have been set up at the Annex of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to provide necessary information and support.
“The Authorities are contacting families of the victims of this unfortunate incident, and upon completion, will make information about the identities of the victims public.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation deeply commiserates with the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.
“The Black Box of the aircraft has been located and is in the custody of the Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau which, with the cooperation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant agencies have commenced full investigation into the cause of the accident.
“While it is too early to determine the cause of the accident, we urge the public to be patient while the investigation progresses. I assure the public that the investigation will be thorough and that our airspace remains safe and secure.
Meanwhile, Captain Usman Muktar, commissioner, Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, seeks public decorum as investigation has commenced into the crash.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that the preliminary investigations into the cause of accident follows the retrial of the Fight Data Recorder(FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder(FDR) from the crash site and security beefed up to prevent members of the public and hoodlums from tampering with materials that will aid investigations.
On his part, Yakubu Dati, coordinating general manager, Corporate Communications, Aviation Parastatals, said, “The rescue operation commenced immediately with all the relevant agencies moving enmasse to the crash site. We call on the public to shun unconfirmed reports by avoiding speculations that could mar investigations in to the crash”.