The Government of Ondo State in Nigeria’s South-West has confirmed that one of its commissioners was among the passengers of the Associated Ailrines flight heading for the state capital, Akure, but which crashed shortly after take-off from the domestic terminal at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

A statement issued by Eni Akinsola, Chief Pres Secretary to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, also confirmed that “family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash.”

The statement said:

“The Ondo State Government received with shock the news of the crash of the plane bearing the corpse of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, as it was taking off from Lagos. A commissioner, family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash. Information available indicates that there were casualties and a few survivors of this unfortunate crash. We are however still expecting more information. No doubt, this is an unfortunate disaster in the life of our dear State.

We can only pray that God will visit the State with mercy and give us all the strength to bear these unfortunate losses. We ask all residents to be in a sober and prayerful mood at these trying times as God is indeed the only person we should call upon in this period. Government assures that further and better information will be released as soon as they are available.”

•Photo shows rescue operations in progress at the crash site.