Rescue teams and divers have intensified efforts to recover victims’ remains and locate the black box of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, one week ago.

The ATR-42 aircraft plunged into a swamp on October 5, killing all 25 people on board.

The recovery operation has so far yielded fragments of the victims’ remains and damaged aircraft parts, making identification difficult. Unconfirmed reports from an operator involved in the search indicate that part of the pilot’s body was recovered from the wreckage.

Rescuers are now focusing on locating the aircraft’s black box, which could provide vital information about the cause of the crash. However, the muddy terrain and deep waters continue to hamper recovery efforts.

Technicians are also assembling additional floating equipment for amphibious excavators to improve access to the crash site.

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns about possible water pollution following reports of aviation fuel and oil in the surrounding river. The waterway serves as a major source of water for the Igbokoda community.

The community’s traditional ruler, Afolabi Odidiomo, had earlier expressed concern about the potential contamination and the difficulties involved in recovering the victims’ remains.