BREAKING: Military aircraft crashes at Abuja airport, kills 7 [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

A military aircraft, King Air 350, with seven persons, including crew members on board, has crashed at the runway of the Abuja international airport.

Based on TopNaija’s findings, the names of five of the deceased are: Flt Lt Gadzama, Flt Lt Piyo, Flg Offr Okpara, FS Olawumi, and ACM Johnson, while the names of the remaining crew members were still being awaited.

Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said seven persons onboard the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft died when the jet crashed in Abuja.

The jet en route Minna in Niger State crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure.

In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate probe of the accident.

Daramola said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has also disclosed on Twitter that the aircraft reported engine failure en route Minna, Niger state.

According to him, the crash is fatal and the numbers of casualties are yet to be released. He urged that Nigerians remain calm and pray for the departed souls.

Watch the gory video below:

A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.

— Hadi Sirika (@hadisirika) February 21, 2021

A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.?????

— Hadi Sirika (@hadisirika) February 21, 2021

See photos below:

This is coming hours after a United Airlines plane went half-aflame mid-flight, making an emergency landing at Denver International Airport.