DATE=05/04/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NIGERIA/AIR CRASH (S)

NUMBER=2-289427

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: An airplane carrying at least 75 people has crashed in a densely populated neighborhood of the northern city of Kano. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports from our West Africa bureau in Abidjan.

TEXT: Nigerian authorities say the aircraft was a B-A-C 1-11 jet, which was on a domestic flight that originated in Nigeria's main city, Lagos, Saturday, and made a stop in the city of Jos before heading to Kano.

Witness in Kano say the airplane bore the logo of the privately-owned domestic carrier, E-A-S. Officials say it was on approach to the Kano airport when it slammed into several houses and exploded.

Firefighters have been working to douse the flames and evacuate the area.

Witnesses say panicked residents have been scouring the neighborhood, looking for relatives believed to be trapped in the debris of homes that were destroyed.

Nigerian officials say it is not yet clear what caused the crash. (signed)

NEB/LM/DW/TW