Two weeks into the crashed ATR-42 Aircraft in Ondo State, bodies of all the passengers in the plane are yet to be recovered CKN NEWS can reveal
Specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have recovered additional components of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as underwater search and recovery operations continue.
The ongoing operation aims to locate and retrieve relevant aircraft components and other materials for documentation and preservation in support of investigations into the accident.
However, the traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, has raised concerns over a potential health crisis in the community, alleging that decomposing bodies of crash victims are polluting a swamp connected to the area's potable water reserves.
Odidiomo, who spoke in an interview said the situation was raising concerns about the safety of water sources used by residents.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the multi-agency teams were sustaining efforts to recover relevant materials from the crash site.
According to the statement, the operation is being supported by hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to improve access to areas of interest.
The recovered components are expected to be documented and preserved as part of the ongoing investigation into the aircraft accident.
The monarch's concerns have also highlighted the need to assess potential environmental and public health risks associated with the crash site, particularly the alleged contamination of water sources.
The search and recovery operation remains ongoing as the relevant agencies work to retrieve materials that could assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the accident.