The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Monday said it had concluded field investigation into the helicopter crash involving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Kabba, Kogi state on Saturday.
The bureau however said that the preliminary report, which would be ready “soon” would unravel the cause of the major incident.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of the Bureau, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi said the agency sent its investigators to the crash site on Sunday and conducted field investigation into the incident.
He urged the public and industry professionals to refrain from making comments on the crash until the preliminary report was released.
He said: “Our investigators have done site investigation on the crash. The investigators were on ground at the crash site on Sunday. But, as it is, we don’t know the cause of the incident yet, we have to wait for the preliminary report. It is unprofessional to pre-empt the cause of the incident without waiting for the outcome of our investigation.”
It would be recalled that an Augusta Westland 139 chopper with the registration number 5N-CML and managed by Caverton Helicopter had crash-landed in a stadium in Kogi state on Saturday at about 3pm.
The chopper had on board Osinbajo and 11 others including the crew members.
Meanwhile, Commissioner and CEO of AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru, assured that the bureau would carry out detailed, thorough and timely investigation into the crash.
He however declared that the investigation was not to apportion blame, rather to find out why the incident occurred and also make safety recommendations with a view to prevent recurrence.
“As the Investigating agency, AIB needs and hereby solicits for your help. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip(s), relevant evidence, or information any member of the public may have of the accident; that can assist us with this investigation.”
