Three killed in Third Mainland helicopter crash

A helicopter belonging to Bristow Helicopters with 12 people on board Wednesday, crashed into the Lagoon near the Oworonshoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

According to an eyewitness,  the aircraft marked 5NBGD was said to be coming from one of the oil rigs in Escravos area of the Niger Delta and was said to be heading for Lagos Island when it went down around 3.p.m.

According to reports, three of those on board were confirmed dead while four wounded ones were moved to the nearby Gbagada General Hospital.

The crash was said to have occurred at the back of Oworonsoki Police station after a loud bang was heard from the helicopter.

First respondents, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, its Lagos state counterparts, LASEMA, and policemen are said to have embarked on rescue operations.

According to the Divisional Police Office, DPO, Oworonshoki, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Chijioke Nduka, who led officers to the scene to rescue victims, there was a loud sound from the aircraft before the crash. He said more officers including the Area Commander Ikeja Command, were at the scene assisting operatives of NEMA in the rescue operations.

To make rescue operations easier, routes to the site of the crash had been cordoned off hence gridlock on the Third Mainland.