Three killed as military helicopter crashes in Niger Republic

A Nigerien military helicopter crashed on return from a routine training flight on Boxing Day, killing three people.

Reuters reported that the Nigerian military helicopter crash-landed at an airport in the capital of Niger Republic Niamey on Monday, killing three people on board including an expatriate instructor, according to the defence ministry.

The wreckage was said to have gone up in flames, blocking rescuers from reaching the crew.

Reuters reported that a commission of inquiry had been set up to determine the cause of the accident.