32 Kenyans among 157 killed in Ethiopian Airlines plane crash

An Ethiopian Airlines that crashed early Sunday morning shortly after takeoff killing all 157 people on board, the airline says.

The Ethiopian Airline that was scheduled for Nairobi had 149 passengers and 8 crew member on board.

32 Kenyans were among the passengers who were on board leaving Kenya with the highest casualties from the Ethiopian Airlines.

The plane is reported to have had more than 30 nationalities on board which was scheduled from Bole International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

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They include, 18 Canadians, nine Ethiopians, eight Italians, eight Chinese, eight Americans, seven Britons, seven French citizens, six Egyptians, four from Slovakia, five Dutch citizens, four Indians, four people from Slovakia, three Austrians, three Swedes, three Russians, two Moroccans, two Spaniards and two Israelis were other nationalities who had been confirmed.

Earlier, the Ethiopian Airline said the plane crashed around Bishoftu formerly known as Debre Zeit six minutes after taking off.

Through a statement sent earlier, the airline said that search and rescue operations were underway near the crash site.

“Ethiopian Airlines staff will be sent to the accident scene and will do everything possible to assist the emergency services,” read the statement.

President Uhuru Kenyatta through his twitter handle expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones on the flight.

“We are saddened by the news of an Ethiopian Airlines passenger aircraft that is reported to have crashed 6 minutes after takeoff en route to Kenya. My prayers go to all the families and associates of those on board,” Said President Kenyatta.