Missing bodies in helicopter crash found

The two missing bodies in the helicopter crash that occurred in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos on Wednesday have been found.

The bodies were recovered around 10:30 am and brought to shore of the lagoon about 20 minutes later before being taken to the morgue of Mainland Hospital where the corpses found on Wednesday are at the moment.

Sources told NAN that the bodies were that of the pilot and co-pilot.

Kolawole Akindele, general manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), who addressed the media alongside Onimode Bamdele, south-west coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the first phase of the search mission had been concluded.

Akindele said the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) would continue with the operation to find parts of the helicopter in order to know what led to the accident.

An official of the bureau at the scene of the accident said investigation had begun.

Meanwhile, Bristow Helicopter Limited has promised to assist survivors and families of the dead victims.

Duncan Moore, Bristow’s regional director for Africa, made the pledge in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by the unfortunate accident. We regret the loss of lives in the air crash and we are ready to assist them with our full resources,” the statement read.

“Our highest priority is to take care of our crew and clients and their family members and provide them with any assistance needed.

“Our personnel are currently working to confirm the number of people on board, their identities and the extent of any injury.”

Twelve people were said to be on board the ill-fated aircraft which was heading to Lagos from an oil rig in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

As at Wednesday, two of the survivors were receiving treatment at Gbagada General Hospital, while four were being treated at Afolabi Hospital in Oworonsoki.

The flight manifest has not been released as at the time of filing this report.