Residents of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic on Monday following the crash of a helicopter in a swampy part of the community.
A source familiar with the incident told our correspondent that the aircraft went down in the swampy area, with the fate of those aboard yet to be officially established.
The source, however, said some occupants were believed to have died in the crash, while details of the incident remained unclear as rescue and investigative efforts continued.
The development reportedly drew residents and other concerned persons to the area, as authorities moved to establish what happened and determine the condition of the helicopter’s occupants.
But the Ondo State Police Command urged the public to exercise restraint, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the crash were still being investigated.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced.
Jimoh appealed to residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating information that had not been verified by the authorities.
The police spokesperson said more details would be released as investigators establish the facts surrounding the crash.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official figure on the number of people aboard the helicopter or confirmed the reported deaths.
The incident has nevertheless heightened concern in Igbokoda, with residents awaiting official information on the circumstances of the crash and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.