There are unconfirmed reports that Togo's Minister for Sport is one of 21 people reported killed in a helicopter crash near the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, on Sunday night.

Latest reports say that the helicopter was flying from Freetown to a city in Port Loko District, in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone, which is 15 minutes flight away.

The plane was reportedly carrying 19 Togolese citizens who were thought to be Les Eperviers (Togo national team) fans returning from an international football match against Sierra Leone, after Togo had beaten Sierra Leone 1-0 in African Nations Cup qualifying.

The Ukrainian helicopter company, Paramount Airlines, which was carrying the passengers, have already had concerns voiced over the safety of their aircraft.

The two pilots were from Ukraine. One died after jumping out of the craft as it was approaching the airport. There is reportedly one survivor, the co-pilot, who has survived, but is in critical condition.

As yet the cause of the crash is unknown, with the lack of light hampering recovery attempts.

Our thoughts are with the families of the bereaved.

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