The Ethiopian airlines has started forensic investigations to identifing victims of the plane crash which claimed the lives of all 157 people aboard.
The airlines operator said it is partnering with all stakeholders in the Ethiopian aviation sector to carry out the investigations including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and other international entities.
It has confirmed all persons on board the airline B-737-800MAX with registration number ET-AVJ died.
According to information obtained by The ICIR, on the official website of the Ethiopian airlines, it has already contacted families of the victims to inform them of the tragic accident.
It stated further that a committee comprising of Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, and Ethiopian Transport Authority has already been set up to carry out the investigations, adding that once the identities of the deceased are identified, their bodies will be delivered to their families and loved ones.
“Following the tragic accident on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 302/10 March, which claimed the lives of 149 passengers and 8 crew on board, Ethiopian has teamed up with all stakeholders concerned to conduct forensic investigations and identify the identities of the victims.”
“Investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the accident, in collaboration with all stakeholders including the aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and other international entities.
“Ethiopian Airlines will release further information as soon as it is available, through the airline’s website and social media pages.”
The incident occurred early this morning when the airline disappeared from radar six minutes after take-off from Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa at 08:38 am.
Meanwhile, an unconfirmed list revealed that there were about 33 nationalities aboard the aircraft.
The list shared by the airline on its website shows that 35 nationalities were involved in the plane crash.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday evening expressed his concern regarding the sad incident describing it as ‘shocking beyond words‘.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, he applauded success stories of the airline despite the unfortunate event.
He also expressed his condolences to Presidents of nationalities involved including the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia.
Olugbenga heads the Investigations Desk at The ICIR. Do you have a scoop? Shoot him an email at oadanikin@icirnigeria.org. Twitter Handle: @OluAdanikin