Nigerian military says three died in air force helicopter crash

The Nigerian military on Friday said three people died in the air force helicopter that burst into flames midair and crashed in Yola, Adamawa State.

The crash happened Thursday night around the Federal University of Technology, Yola.

The military said in a statement posted on defence headquarters blog that the victims were crew members aboard the helicopter.

“At about 2200hours yesterday 13 November 2014, a ground attack helicopter on an armed patrol crashed around the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State,” the military said in the statement.

“The crew of three was lost in the ill-fated accident. Rescue party worked throughout the night to preserve the wreckage of the aircraft and scene of the accident for proper investigation to be carried out. Further details would be made known later.”

The crash, the second to down a military chopper in a week, initially sparked fears that

Boko Haram insurgency was mounting an attack in the Yola.

Witnesses said the aircraft was thought to be carrying weapons to troops fighting Boko Haram.

“Two military helicopters flew over the campus and one of them came down close to the fence near the student hostels,” Kyari Mohammed, a lecturer, told AFP.