Ondo Deploys Heavy Equipment as Divers Struggle to Reach Crashed Military Aircraft

Ondo State authorities have deployed heavier equipment to support rescue and recovery efforts after an ATR-42 aircraft crashed into water at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday.

State Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko said on Tuesday that the aircraft went into the water and broke into two, leaving debris around the crash area. Local divers assisting at the scene had struggled to determine the aircraft's exact position beneath the water, although one diver later reported locating what was believed to be part of the wreckage.

Loko said smaller boats available at the scene were not capable of lifting the submerged aircraft. The state consequently moved floating excavators and swamp buggies into the area to support the operation.

The planned recovery method involves divers going underwater to secure the wreckage to lifting equipment attached to an excavator. Officials hope the machinery will allow responders to bring the aircraft or major sections of it to the surface.

The commissioner said relevant government ministries and agencies had been directed to assist with the operation in Igbokoda. He placed the crash site at about 500 metres from the community.

According to Loko, responders would only be able to determine the situation regarding possible survivors after gaining fuller access to the wreckage.

Ondo State Commissioner for Works Ayoronde Olawoye also cautioned against drawing conclusions before the specialised equipment reached the crash location. He said the government had deployed machinery needed to support the recovery operation and expected significant progress after the floating equipment became operational.

Efforts to move the excavators into the water were delayed as operators worked for several hours to attach flotation tanks to the machinery. The approaching night was also expected to make the rescue operation more difficult.