Air charter service, Caverton Helicopter, has blamed hazy weather conditions for its helicopter crash involving Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday.
Josiah Choms, an executive at the Lagos-based firm, said Osinbajo was being conveyed in an Augusta AW139 chopper when it lost control as it was about to touch down at about 3:00 p.m. in Kabba, Kogi State.
The accident was due to “unusual weather conditions,” he said, adding that there were no injuries to the passengers or crew members as they were all quickly and safely evacuated.
“The relevant authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the incident has commenced. We will, of course, support the authorities as required,” the statement added.
Osinbajo, who is the running mate of President Muhammadu Buhari in the elections scheduled for February 16, was on a campaign mission ahead of the elections later this month.
Laolu Akande, a presidential spokesperson, said 12 people including the minister of state for labour and productivity, Stephen Ocheni, senior presidential aides, security officials were on board the helicopter.
“We are grateful to God for His protection and safety, and we thank the crew and security personnel for their prompt response and service. We are also grateful for the tremendous expressions of concern and affection, as well as prayers from all.
“As is procedural, a full investigation into the causes of the incident would be conducted by aviation authorities,” the spokesperson said.
