Helicopter crash in Niger claims three
By Bintu Jidda
Kanempress
27th December 2022
A Nigerien military helicopter crash had claimed the lives of three people on Monday while on a return from a routine training flight.
The accident happened when the Russian-built Mi-17 crashed while landing at a military base at Niamey airport.
“Unfortunately, all three crew members – a Nigerien officer and NCO and an expatriate instructor – died immediately despite efforts by rescue services to put out the fire,” the defence ministry said.
The defence ministry said an investigation is ongoing to ascertain further cause.
Niger had the poorest benchmark of the United Nations’ Human Development Index.
It has vowed to boost its military in the face of jihadist insurgencies in the southwest and southeast.
Niger is receiving training and logistical support from France and the United States, which have major air bases in Niger, and from Belgium, Italy and Germany.
