Ondo: A military aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed in southern Nigeria on Monday, triggering an immediate search and rescue operation, authorities said.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission to Lagos, Nigeria‘s economic hub, when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

There was no immediate confirmation about casualties following the crash.

Aircraft disappears from radar

Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said in a statement that the aircraft disappeared from radar at around 9 am local time.

According to the minister, the aircraft was later located after it was determined to have crashed approximately midway through its journey from Edo State to Lagos.

The circumstances that led to the crash were not immediately known. Authorities were working to establish what happened during the flight and assess the condition of those on board.

Nigerian Air Force launches rescue operation

The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said an immediate search and rescue operation had been launched following the incident.

Search and rescue personnel were mobilised towards the crash site in Igbokoda as authorities attempted to locate the aircraft and determine the condition of the passengers and crew.

The extent of damage to the aircraft was not immediately clear.

The operation was continuing as authorities gathered more information about the incident.

32 people were on board

According to the information released by authorities, the aircraft had 32 people on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

The aircraft was reportedly undertaking a routine mission when the incident occurred.

Officials had not immediately released details about the identities of those on board or provided information regarding possible injuries or fatalities.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as search and rescue teams reach the crash site and assess the situation.

Investigation likely to follow

The cause of the crash remained unknown at the time of the initial reports.

Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and circumstances surrounding its disappearance from radar to determine what led to the accident.

The aircraft’s last known location and the point where it was found will also form part of the investigation into the incident.

Further details on casualties, the condition of survivors and the extent of damage to the aircraft are expected as the search and rescue operation progresses.