Four Indians including the Delhi-based United Nations consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, were among the 157 killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed after take-off from Addis Ababa, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said.
The Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff from Addis Ababa Sunday, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including tourists, business travellers, and the Indian Environment Ministry consultant, Shikha Garg, who was on her way to attend a UNEP meeting.
The other three Indian nationals killed are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh and Nukavarapu Manisha.
Condoling the deaths, Sushma Swaraj tweeted, “I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families.”
I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families. @IndiaInEthiopia
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019
@IndiaInEthiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg. /2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019
People from 35 countries were reportedly on board flight ET 302 when it ploughed into a field 60 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.
Also read: Ethiopian crash: China grounds all Boeing 737 Max 8s
Ethiopian Airlines said the plane had taken off at 8:38 am (0538 GMT) from Bole International Airport and “lost contact” six minutes later.
It came down near Tulu Fara village outside the town of Bishoftu.
The carrier, which changed its logo on Twitter to black and white from its trademark green, yellow, and red, said “there are no survivors”.
