Vandals Destroyed nine Helicopters in Escravos,Nigeria
At least nine helicopters were destroyed by iritate locals in Escravos, South, south of the Niger delta of Nigeria yesterday. Among the helicopter badly hit during this riot was the new Bell 412, 5N-BHE flown in two days before the 'strike' to replaced the 412 that crashed last year. Pan African Airlines a subsidary of O-lug have been operating in this oil rich area for close to thirty years and this is the first time this type of human calamity is happening to their properties. Rumour had it that the Locals have permitted a mobile company to errect a mast in the village to enable them get connected to the world! not knowing that the mast will constitute hazzard to helicopter operation flying for Chevron in the oil terminal. Chevron and the aviation authorities have sued the mobile operator to court that the mast should be removed! The villagers are not happy because of this instead they are asking Pan African to relocate their hangar and airfield!. Protest was arranged by the villagers and at the end of the day Many helicopters were left with their wind sheild smashed and cables, electronis damaged. No body was injured as at the time of this report.