Military aircraft in fatal crash in Abuja, passengers, crew burnt to death

A military aircraft, King Air 350, has crashed a few yards off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.

Passengers and crew may be feared dead as the plane which was en route to Minna was reported to be totally burnt.

Confirming the incident in a tweet on Sunday, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, wrote: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route Minna.

“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of an investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”

However, the number of people aboard the aircraft could not be ascertained at press time.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the military are yet to make statements on the incident.