By Victor Akan
No fewer than four members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have been confirmed dead in the helicopter crash in Rivers State.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had earlier confirmed three persons dead in the helicopter crash, which occurred in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, disclosed that the ill-fatedm helicopter crashed at about 11:22 a.m.
Soneye noted that the helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation had NNPCL officials onboard.
However, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, in a statement on Friday, October 25, said four members of the association died in the helicopter crash.
Osifo said the deceased were valued members of PENGASSAN and dedicated professionals in the oil and gas industry.
He stated: “Their contributions to the sector and to our association will be sorely missed.
“PENGASSAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this difficult time.
“We share in their grief and offer our unwavering support, as we navigate this tragic event. We are committed to providing assistance to the bereaved families in any way possible.”
Osifo said the association was currently working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash and cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their investigation.
He, therefore, urged all parties involved to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the helicopter crash and put in place urgent measures to prevent future tragedies.
The PENGASSAN President added: “PENGASSAN calls on all its members everywhere, through the branches, to observe a moment of silence and reflection in honour of our fallen Comrades.
“Their dedication and service to the oil and gas industry will never be forgotten.
“We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.”
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