A Nigerian Air Force helicopter, on Friday, crashlanded and exploded at the Air Force Base landing strip in  Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Although the cause of the crash could not be immediately ascertained, it was learnt that the incident occurred around 7.50am.

A source said, “I was inside my apartment when I heard this thunderous sound at the NAF Base.

“The next thing I saw was a thick smoke. I don’t know if there are casualties because I can’t go close to the scene for now. But I heard a blast twice. ”

Confirming the crash in a statement, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the NAF MI-35P had taken off to embark on an operation against oil thieves in Rivers State.

He added that five persons on board survived with minor injuries