Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has deployed two amphibious machines to the site of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, as recovery teams struggle to locate the main wreckage in the swamp.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed near Igbokoda on Monday while on a mission from Benin to Lagos, killing all 25 people on board.
Aiyedatiwa visited the crash site on Wednesday alongside Nigerian Navy and Air Force personnel, divers, emergency officials and local residents involved in the recovery operation.
He said the difficult terrain had hampered access to the crash site, prompting the state Ministry of Works to deploy two amphibious machines, popularly known as swamp boogies.
According to the governor, the machines had opened wider access through the waterways, allowing larger boats to move closer to the crash site and aiding efforts to excavate the swamp for the aircraft and other victims.
Aiyedatiwa said the main body of the aircraft had not been located as of the time of his visit and was believed to be deeply submerged in the swamp.
He said Navy personnel and local divers were searching deeper sections of the area for the cockpit and bodies.
The governor described the crash site as a “very gory sight”, saying parts of bodies, clothing and aircraft debris had been recovered and preserved for investigation.
He also said residents who witnessed the crash reported that the aircraft appeared to be experiencing an engine problem before the pilot manoeuvred it away from the community.
Aiyedatiwa said the pilot’s action may have prevented a larger disaster, as the aircraft could have crashed directly into the community.
He said the aircraft eventually landed about 200 metres away before plunging into the swamp.
“Had the plane crashed in the middle of the community, it would have resulted in a major catastrophe,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy and commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force and families of the deceased.
He said recovery efforts would continue despite the difficult terrain, while investigations by the authorities would determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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