157 dead as Nairobi-bound Ethiopia Airlines flight crashes

A Ethiopian Airlines aircraft crashed six minutes after taking off from Addis Ababa’s Bole international airport, killing all 157 on board. The Boeing 737 was destined for Nairobi and had 149 passengers and eight crew.

In a statement, the airline confirmed the incident which took place around Bishoftu area, saying “we are confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight.”

It is yet to be established how many were Kenyans aboard the aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET-AVJ. President Uhuru Kenyatta has tweeted to pass his message of condolences to those affected by the accident.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also sent out a tweet to condole with those affected.