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Nigeria opens crash investigation Nigeria opens air crash inquiry
(about 4 hours later)
Nigeria's President Olesegun Obasanjo has ordered an investigation into a plane crash on Sunday in Abuja, in which about 100 people were killed. Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo has ordered an investigation into a plane crash on Sunday in Abuja, in which 99 people were killed.
The Boeing 737 passenger jet came down almost immediately after take-off on a flight to the northern city of Sokoto.The Boeing 737 passenger jet came down almost immediately after take-off on a flight to the northern city of Sokoto.
Among the dead was the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, the Sultan of Sokoto. Up to six people are reported to have survived the crash. Among the dead was the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, the Sultan of Sokoto. Five people are reported to have survived the crash.
This is Nigeria's third major civilian air disaster in less than a year.This is Nigeria's third major civilian air disaster in less than a year.
President Obasanjo ordered an immediate inquiry into the cause of the crash. Five days of mourning have been announced for the victims. President Obasanjo ordered an immediate inquiry into the cause of the crash. Three days of national mourning have been announced for the victims.
In a statement he said he was "deeply and profoundly shocked and saddened". He sympathised with "all Nigerians, especially family, friends and associates of those who may have been on board".In a statement he said he was "deeply and profoundly shocked and saddened". He sympathised with "all Nigerians, especially family, friends and associates of those who may have been on board".
'Twisted remnants''Twisted remnants'
The ADC Airlines jet came down just after take-off, ploughing into a cornfield about two kilometres from Abuja airport.The ADC Airlines jet came down just after take-off, ploughing into a cornfield about two kilometres from Abuja airport.
SULTAN OF SOKOTO Leads Nigeria's 70m MuslimsSokoto base for 19th Century jihad, spreading Islam across northern NigeriaSokoto still Nigeria's centre for Islamic learning Obituary: Sultan of SokotoSULTAN OF SOKOTO Leads Nigeria's 70m MuslimsSokoto base for 19th Century jihad, spreading Islam across northern NigeriaSokoto still Nigeria's centre for Islamic learning Obituary: Sultan of Sokoto
The BBC's Alex Last in Nigeria says the plane broke up on impact, scattering debris and passengers' belongings across an area the size of a football pitch.The BBC's Alex Last in Nigeria says the plane broke up on impact, scattering debris and passengers' belongings across an area the size of a football pitch.
Among the many dead was one of the most important men in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Maccido - the spiritual leader of the country's estimated 70 million Muslims. The body of the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Maccido - the spiritual leader of the country's estimated 70 million Muslims - was taken to Sokoto for burial within hours of the crash.
Within hours of the crash his body was taken to Sokoto for burial. Several other leading Nigerian politicians, including one of the sultan's sons, were also killed in the crash. The survivors are being treated in a hospital in Abuja.
Several other leading Nigerian politicians, including one of the sultan's sons, were also killed in the crash. There were a few survivors who are being treated in a hospital in Abuja.
The government has not yet released an official death toll.
Corruption and corner-cuttingCorruption and corner-cutting
After visiting the crash site, Federal Territory Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai told the BBC that the condition of the plane was "deplorable", with "bald tyres".After visiting the crash site, Federal Territory Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai told the BBC that the condition of the plane was "deplorable", with "bald tyres".
Crash site eyewitness In pictures: Nigeria crashCrash site eyewitness In pictures: Nigeria crash
The government had already announced a plan to overhaul the aviation industry and improve safety following last year's disasters, in which more than 200 people died.The government had already announced a plan to overhaul the aviation industry and improve safety following last year's disasters, in which more than 200 people died.
Last month 10 senior army commanders were killed when their military plane crashed.Last month 10 senior army commanders were killed when their military plane crashed.
Several airlines were grounded while safety checks were carried out. ADC planes were not involved in the crashes.Several airlines were grounded while safety checks were carried out. ADC planes were not involved in the crashes.
President Obasanjo blamed corruption and corner-cutting for poor safety standards.President Obasanjo blamed corruption and corner-cutting for poor safety standards.
Our correspondent says that air travel in Nigeria has boomed in recent years, but this crash will raise further questions as to how these safety reforms are being implemented.Our correspondent says that air travel in Nigeria has boomed in recent years, but this crash will raise further questions as to how these safety reforms are being implemented.