By Njodzeka Danhatu
A military helicopter crashed, killing a Police Superintendent and leaving six other persons on board, injured. Cameroon’s Minister Delegate in charge of Defence has confirmed.
The incident happened on Monday, May 13, at Elak-Oku, Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon.
The Police Superintendent, Victor Ngwe Wiyou, who served as the acting Public Security Commissioner for Noni Subdivision died immediately the helicopter crashed-landed.
Other administrative officials, including the Divisional Officers of Noni, Bum, and Oku, alongside the pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer, sustained injuries and have been evacuated for intensive medical care.
In press release signed by Joseph Beti Assomo, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, he confirmed the incident. He confirmed the death of the Police Commissioner and said six other victims of the accident have been airlifted for intensive treatment. “immediately informed, the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, instructed the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence to ensure the immediate evacuation by air of all the victims to an identified hospital for appropriate medical care.” The Press release partly read.
Information circulating on social media claims that the military helicopter was airlifting security and administrative officials from Bamenda back to their command units after they rallied in in the regional capital, for PM Dion Ngute’s peace tour.
Another version of the story claims that the DOs, were on a fact finding mission before their copter crashed.
On the reason for the crash, the Minister’s communiqué said the Air Force helicopter crashed due to stormy weather. He however went on to say that “Regulatory investigations provided for in such circumstances were immediately opened to identify the causes of this unfortunate accident.”
After the incident, some pro-independence propagandist took to social media, claiming that they successfully brought the copter down.
Following the accident, Cameroonian soldiers were stationed at the crash site to secure it.
