Many feared killed as helicopter crashes in Ondo coastal community
By Aduwo Omosehin
Many people were feared killed after a helicopter crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday.
The helicopter reportedly crashed at Ebute Larada, within the coastal community, throwing residents into panic as details surrounding the incident remained sketchy.
The exact number of people aboard the helicopter had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, while the condition of possible survivors also remained unclear.
A source said the incident occurred in the morning, adding that residents heard a very loud sound from the area where the helicopter reportedly went down.
“It happened this morning.
“We heard a very loud sound in the area where the incident occurred, but we could not get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek; we are just looking at it from afar,” the source said.
The source added that police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to commence rescue efforts.
“But the police and the military people later came around there for rescue, but the occupants of the helicopter might have died there,” he added.
Although the exact number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained, the source confirmed that some people, particularly occupants of the ill-fated helicopter, were feared to have died in the crash.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026.
“Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue,” Jimoh stated.
He urged members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.
Jimoh assured that the public would be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available.
Further details, including the identity of the helicopter, the number of people on board and the confirmed casualty figure, are expected as rescue and investigative operations continue.
Details shortly…
