Bristow Helicopter Limited, owners of the helicopter that crashed into the Lagos lagoon on Wednesday has promised to assist survivors and families of the dead victims.
Bristow Regional Director for Africa Duncan Moore made the pledge in a statement in Lagos.
“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,” he said.
Twelve persons were believed to be on board the ill-fated copter. The six injured persons were taken to the hospital, four confirmed dead while two were still missing according to emergency workers.
“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,” he said.
Moore said the company was fully co-operating with appropriate authorities that were investigating the incident.
“The company is fully cooperating with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigeria Police
“Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft carried 10 passengers and a crew of two, subject to confirmation.
“The company is in the process of collecting pertinent information and we will release more details as soon as it is available.
“At this time, the full resources of Bristow Helicopter’s incident response team are being mobilised,” he said.
NAN reports that AIB had earlier said in a statement on Wednesday said it had commenced investigation into the Bristow helicopter that crashed into the lagoon in Lagos.
The bureau’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, said the investigation had commenced with the AIB Commissioner, Dr Felix Abali, leading the team.
The helicopter, with tail number 5N-BGD, was involved in an accident at about 3:30 p.m on approach to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The aircraft, a Sikorsky S-76C+, was returning from a drilling rig.
The Public Relation Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South-West had earlier confirmed four dead while six survivors have been taken to the hospital and two were still missing. (NAN)
