A small Nigerian air force passenger plane crashed just outside Abuja airport due to engine failure on Sunday, killing all seven people on board, the air force said.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” said air force spokesman Ibikunle Daramole said in a statement.
The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure en route to Minna, he said. The city of Minna lies about 110 kilometres (68 miles) northwest of Abuja.
In scrubland just outside the airport perimeter, dozens of military and airport officials picked through the charred remnants of the airplane.
Fire engines and ambulances stood by. The smell of burning chemicals lingered in the air but no fire or smoke was visible, a Reuters witness said.
The cause of the incident is still unknown and an immediate investigation has been ordered by the authorities.
Nigeria’s minister of aviation Sirika Hadi earlier also confirmed the incident. “We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military,” he tweeted.
Images and videos posted on social media show a blaze at the site with black smoke billowing from the downed aircraft.
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