NAF lowers water level at aircraft crash site in Ondo after 14 days

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reduced the water level at the site of its crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. This comes as recovery operations entered their 14th day on Monday.

The aircraft crashed into a swamp on 5 October during a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. All 25 people on board, which included five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash. The NAF confirmed that no survivors were found.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said that continuous pumping has greatly lowered the water level. Personnel are working to remove most of the remaining water, depending on the conditions.

The NAF also mentioned that workers are strengthening the embankment with sandbags to prevent it from collapsing and to keep it stable as the dewatering continues. They described the recovery mission as a difficult task that needs ongoing engineering and dewatering work under tough conditions.

Community Concerns

As the recovery efforts continue, local residents are worried about possible environmental and health issues from the crash. They have noticed a strong, unpleasant smell coming from the crash site. The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, has raised alarms about unrecovered human remains and the risk of contaminating the community's water sources.

The monarch had earlier pointed out that the swamp is linked to a river system that supplies water to the community. This includes the water treatment facility at Aboto, located about seven kilometers from Igbokoda. Residents are also concerned about possible pollution from aviation fuel.

In response to these concerns, the Ondo State Government has ordered the ministries of environment and health to step in. They are to conduct fumigation and arrange for the distribution of clean water if the river is found to be unsafe. The government also directed that nose masks and health kits be provided to the residents.

The NAF has acknowledged the worries of the community. They promised to work with the relevant environmental and public health authorities after the recovery to check the situation and take the right action.

The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, praised the recovery team for their hard work and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Air Force's promise to finish the operation safely and carefully.

The NAF also stated that their recovery efforts support the ongoing investigation into the aircraft accident. They thanked the recovery personnel, partner agencies, and Hitech Construction Company for their help in the operation.

The agency expressed its condolences to the families affected by the crash, recognizing their pain. It also thanked the Igbokoda community and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation. The NAF promised to provide timely updates as the recovery operations continue.