Transport Minister Statement on Ethiopian Airline tragic crash
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Blade Nzimande, mourns the loss of lives of a hundred and fifty-seven (157) passengers and eight (8) crew members who were killed on flight ET302 from Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital to Nairobi in Kenya, on 10 March 2019.
The crash happened at 08:44 local time, six minutes after the Boeing 737 Max-8 took off.
According to the airline statement, thirty-two (32) Kenyans, eighteen (18) Canadians, eight (8) Americans and seven (7) British nationals were among the passengers.
The cause of the disaster is not yet known. However, the pilot had reported difficulties and had asked to return to Addis Ababa.
“South Africa, through the task team comprising of all relevant state entities and agencies such the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), and the South Africa Search and Rescue will collaborate with their Ethiopian counterparts to offer any necessary assistance and skills needed to ensure the speedy conclusion of the investigation to this crash, said Minister Nzimande.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 072 566 0827
