Panic has enveloped Opebi area, Ikeja, Lagos as a helicopter Bell 206 with registration number 5N-BQW belonging to Quorum Aviation has crashed into a building in the area.

The incident occurred at about 12. 30pm, at 16A Salvation Road, Opebi, Lagos.

But the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said rescuers are on their way to the scene.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) has confirmed that the helicopter, which was carrying three passengers, claimed two lives while one is in the intensive care unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Director-General, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, said, “We have deposited the two bodies in the mortuary. We are on top of challenges especially crowd control Operation is ongoing and updates will follow.”

Quorum Aviation has identified the three victims of the accident. It noted that those aboard the crashed helicopter are its crew members. This was contained in a statement issued by the company after the crash on Friday.

The statement read, “As soon as we received news of the accident, we promptly informed the aviation authorities, Accident Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Preliminary reports indicate that of the three souls on board – all crew, two of the crew members lost their lives whilst the third one is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

“We have been made to understand that nobody in the building, nor in the vicinity was injured for which we are grateful. In accordance with aviation regulations, the AIB has taken over the investigation process. We hereby ask members of the public to await the outcome of the investigation.

“We hereby express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.”

About Quorum Aviation

Quorum Aviation Limited (QAL) is an Aviation and Logistics air transportation company. The company operates both Rotary (Helicopters) and Fixed Wing aircraft.