THE Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, has asked the public to assist it by providing any video clip(s), relevant evidence or information as the agency investigates what led to the recent crash of an AgustaWestland 139 helicopter which had Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other persons onboard.

On February 2, 2019, at 2:31pm, an AgustaWestland 139 helicopter with Nigerian registration marks 5N-CML and serial number: 31389, owned and operated by Cavenon Helicopters crash-landed in Kabba, Kogi State with 12 souls on board including the Vice-president.

The Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, AIB, Akin Olateru, also stated that the agency would release factual information concerning the accident in a matter of days.

Olateru was quoted in a statement that was made available to our correspondent by the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) in Abuja on Monday as saying, “As the investigating agency, AlB needs and hereby solicits your (public) help.

“We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip(s), relevant evidence or information any member of the public may have of the accident that can assist us with this investigation.”

He urged persons with useful information to kindly contact the agency via its official communication channels as stated on its website.

“I would like to enjoin the press and the public to please respect the privacy of the people involved and not to preempt the cause of the accident. AlB will release the preliminary report which will include factual information about the accident in a matter of days,” Olateru added.

He noted that passengers and crew survived the accident with no injury and appreciated the professionalism of the rescue team, as without their effort there may have been a casualty.

The AIB boss said, “Accident Investigation Bureau, the agency of government created under the Civil Aviation Act 2006 with a clear mandate to investigate air accidents and serious incidents has commenced an investigation into this accident.

“I am assuring the entire public that this investigation will be detailed, thorough and timely. Accident investigation is not to apportion blame, it is about fact-finding and making safety recommendations with a view to preventing future occurrences.” – Punch

– Feb. 4, 2019 @ 18:29 GMT |