News
SEE LIST of 9 Presidents Who Died In Air Crash
The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran and several key officials has brought to light a series of similar incidents involving prominent personalities.
These accidents often result in significant political, social, and economic repercussions. Below is an account of notable aviation accidents involving high-profile individuals over the years.
President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran
On a fateful Sunday evening, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and Tabriz Friday Prayer Leader Hojjatoleslam Al Hashem, crashed, resulting in the death of all on board. The wreckage was discovered by rescue teams, which marked a significant loss in the government of Iran.
José Félix Estigarribia (Paraguay, 1940)
The 34th president of Paraguay died in a Potez 25 aircraft crash on September 7, 1940, in Altos, Paraguay.
Ramon Magsaysay (Philippines, 1957)
The seventh President of the Philippines perished on March 17, 1957, when his C-47 plane, “Mt. Pinatubo,” crashed into Mount Manunggal in Cebu, with only one survivor out of 25 passengers.
Abdul Salam Arif (Iraq, 1966)
Iraq’s second President died on April 13, 1966, when his de Havilland DH.104 Dove aircraft crashed near Basra. His death led to his brother Abdul Rahman Arif’s succession.
René Barrientos Ortuño (Bolivia, 1969)
Bolivia’s 47th president was killed in a helicopter crash on April 27, 1969. While assassination was suspected, it was never proven.
Samora Moisés Machel (Mozambique, 1986)
Mozambique’s first president died on October 19, 1986, when his presidential aircraft crashed near the South African border.
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (Pakistan, 1988)
Pakistan’s sixth president died on August 17, 1988, in a C-130 Hercules aircraft crash, shortly after takeoff from Bahawalpur. The cause remains unclear, with theories ranging from mechanical failure to sabotage.
Juvénal Habyarimana (Rwanda) and Cyprien Ntaryamira (Burundi, 1994)
Both presidents died on April 6, 1994, when their Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft was shot down near Kigali, Rwanda, sparking the Rwandan genocide.
Lech Kaczyński (Poland, 2010)
Poland’s president died on April 10, 2010, in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia, killing all 96 aboard, including many senior Polish officials.
News
Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.
The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.
The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.
However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.
According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.
A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.
Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.
News
Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.
The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.
The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.
Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.
The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.
PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.
In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”
“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.
“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.
According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”
News
Reps Congratulates Nigerians At Christmas, Advocate Unity, Love, Peace
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless message of hope, peace, and love associated with the season.
in a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he said “Christmas serves as a reminder of values that bind us together as a nation: compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. These virtues, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, are crucial not only for spiritual growth but also for promoting harmony and progress in our diverse society”.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, congratulated Christians on this special occasion, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, love, and peace, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of renewal and fulfillment, calling for a collective effort towards a national rebirth, especially in these challenging times. He encouraged prayers for a better Nigeria and support for the country’s leaders at all levels.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the essence of Christmas as a time to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and selflessness embodied by Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to extend kindness and compassion to one another, particularly to those in need.
The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and prayed that the joy of Christmas would strengthen bonds of unity and love across the nation.
Wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a season filled with hope and happiness.
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