ACCIDENT Investigation Bureau (AIB) is asking the public for video or any other evidence relevant to Saturday’s Helicopter crash involving the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, to avail it to the agency as it would help unravel the cause of the crash.
The Investigative body has however called on everyone involved, including airline, press and the general public to desist from speculation so as not to compromise the integrity of the investigation as the preliminary report will be out in a matter of days.
Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), is the agency of government created under the Civil Aviation Act 2006 with a clear mandate to investigate air accidents and serious incidents has commenced investigation into this accident.
AIB Commissioner, Akin Olateru who made this known in a statement this evening assured the entire public that the investigation will be detailed, thorough and timely.
Olateru in his statement said,”I would like to enjoin the Press and the public please, to respect the privacy of the people involved and not to pre-empt the cause of the accident. AIB will release the preliminary report which will include factual information about the accident in a matter of days. ”
He stated that the reason for investigation was not to apportion blame, but about fact-finding and making safety recommendations with a view to preventing future occurrences.
On the need for people with credible videos to help the AIB with them, he appealed,” As the Investigating agency, AIB needs and hereby solicits for your 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 gave out various communication channels for the public to reach the agency through its Mobile App:- AIB-N, Website:- www.aib.gov.ng, Twitter:-@aibnigeria, Instagram:-@theaibnigeria, Facebook:- AIB Nigeria, Email:- commissioner@aib.gov.ng and SMS/WhatsApp:- +234 807 709 0900.
Recall, on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at about 1331 UTC, (14:31 Local Time) a helicopter (AgustaWestland 139) with Nigerian Registration Marks 5N-CML and serial number: 31389, owned and operated by Caverton Helicopters crashed on landing in Kabba, Kogi State, with 12 souls on board including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
Passengers and crew survived the accident with no injury.
The AIB boss also appreciated the professionalism of the rescue team, without whose effort there may have been recorded casualty and/or injury.
