Posted by By BASHIR ADIGUN, Associated Press Writer on
A Nigerian airliner reportedly carrying 104 people crashed Sunday shortly after takeoff from the airport in Abuja during a storm and at least six people survived, Nigerian media reported.
ABUJA, Nigeria - A Nigerian airliner reportedly carrying 104 people crashed Sunday shortly after takeoff from the airport in Abuja during a storm and at least six people survived, Nigerian media reported.
The airline had 104 passengers and crew members on board when it went down near the airport in the capital, state radio reported. The report cited Rowland Iyayi, head of the National Air Space Management Agency, as saying no survivors had been found, but privately owned Channels Television said at least six people survived the crash.
The plane was headed to the northwest city of Sokoto, according to the reports. Channels had earlier reported the plane was headed to Lagos.
A local radio station, Ray Power FM, said the plane was owned by Aviation Development Co., a private Nigerian airline.
Angus Ozoaka, head of the accidents investigation bureau in the Aviation Ministry, said the crash had been reported to his office but he had no details.
"I'm trying to get to the scene now. I can't say anything more until I've been to the scene," Ozoaka told The Associated Press by telephone from Abuja.
ADC last suffered a crash in November 1996, when one of its jets plunged into a lagoon outside Nigeria's main city, Lagos, killing all 143 aboard.