No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

Soneye disclosed that the ill-fated helicopter, which crashed at about 11:22 a.m., had NNPCL officials onboard.

He noted that the helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation was engaged by the NNPCL.

The NNPCL spokesperson stated: “On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22 a.m., we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

NAF debunks helicopter crash in Kaduna

“There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three bodies have been recovered.

We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.

“We assure that we will continue doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”

The Star