Lagos plane crash: Death toll rises to 13, Ondo govt. shocked

The aircraft with the remains of a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, on board, which crashed on Thursday morning less than a minute after take-off from the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos has claimed no fewer than 13 lives. The crash occurred at the local wing of the airport, near the cargo shed.

The EMBRA plane 120, with about 20 passengers on board, was conveying the body of the former governor, who died last month, to Akure, Ondo state capital for the final burial ceremonies.

The 30-seat plane, belonging to Associated Airlines, crashed around 9.20am immediately after take-off into the compound of a private firm, around the MMIA access gate.

Residents around the area said that the plane exploded mid-air before coming down. Almost all parts of the aircraft were burnt except the back where the casket was kept.

The charter plane was  said to have suffered engine failure shortly after take-off crash-landing near an airport fuel depot and killing at least 13.

“There were 20 people on board - 13 passengers and 7 crew,” said Joe Obi, spokesman for Nigeria’s Aviation Ministry. “13 people (on board) have been confirmed dead, six injured, while one person is still unaccounted for,” he added.

Rescue agencies recovered the bodies of the victims said to involve the son of a former minister and presidential candidate, an Ondo State commissioner and a son-in-law of Agagu. 

Some of the survived passengers among who were relations of the late governor rescued out of the 20 on board were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. 

The casket, bearing the corpse of the late Governor Agagu, was also recovered, with report that it was intact as of the time of recovery. It was taken away by security operatives a few minutes after 12 noon.

The remains of Agagu, also a former University of Ibadan lecturer were due to be interred in Ondo State this weekend after series of events by the state government. 

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has confirmed thirteen people were killed in the crash. 

The Ondo State Government has described the crash of the plane as shocking. A statement by Mr Eni Akinsola, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, said that a commissioner, family members, associates and other top government officials were involved in the crash.

“Information available indicates that there were casualties and a few survivors of this unfortunate crash. We are, however, still expecting more information.

“No doubt, this is an unfortunate disaster in the life of our dear state. We can only pray that God will visit the state with mercy and give us all the strength to bear these unfortunate losses.

“We ask all residents to be in a sober and prayerful mood at these trying times, as God is indeed the only person we should call upon in this period,” Akinsola said.