A helicopter has crashed into a river in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several people feared dead, The Nation just learnt.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Larada Street in Ilaje, where the helicopter reportedly plunged into the river.

The number of people on board and the identities of the occupants remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Several residents who confirmed the incident told our reporter that emergency responders and security agencies have mobilised to the scene.

“As I speak with you, efforts is currently being intensified to locate possible survivors and ascertain the extent of casualties,” one of the sources said.

It was gathered that men of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) have also joined the rescue operation.

The cause of the crash was also yet to be established.

Spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident when contacted.

He, however, promised to provide further details soon.