After hours of speculations, the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) late Thursday released the names of some survivors of the ill-fated Associated Airline plane crashed. The survivors are:
1. Agagu Feyi – Survivor
2. Akintunde Taiwo – Survivor
3. Akintunde Akeem – Survivor
4. Akinsanya Femi – Survivor
5. Unknown male – Survivor
Also, the full list of the passengers and crewmembers on board were: Feyi Agagu, Femi Akinsanya, Akintunde JosephAkeem Akintunde, Tunji Okusanya, Chijioke Duru, Kingsley Amaechi, Deji Afolabi, Mrs. E.O. Alabi, Daji Bernard, Deji Falae, Samson Hassan and Olatunji Okusanya
The Crew members were Captain. Yakubu, Flight officer Oyinlola, Engr. Saroh Elaiye Flight dispatcher Ibrahim, Mr. Felix Tatoye and Cabin attendants Owolabi and Samson.
President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered a thorough investigation into the Associated Airlines plane that crashed on Thursday morning in Lagos. The chartered plane was Akure bound, conveying the remains of former Ondo state Governor Olusegun Agagu who was billed to be buried on Friday.
Already, Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah has confirmed 14 people dead. President Jonathan in a statement by his Media Adviser, Dr Reueben Abati, said he received with great shock and sadness, news of the tragic airplane crash in Lagos.
The statement reads, “On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends condolences to all families who lost members in the plane crash, and the government and people of Ondo State who have been plunged into sorrow yet again while preparing to lay their former governor to rest.
“The President feels and shares the grief and pain of the Agagu family as they grapple with the further loss of beloved relatives and associates so soon after losing their husband, father and mentor.
“He prays that God Almighty will comfort the Agagu family, as well as their relatives and friends, and grant them the divine grace they will undoubtedly require to overcome the trauma of this most trying time.
“President Jonathan views the plane crash as most unfortunate and regrettable, given the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to enhance aviation safety in the country.
“He has therefore ordered a thorough investigation of the crash by all relevant agencies with a view to determining the cause and taking further actions, as may become necessary”.
Eearlier in the day, Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah confirmed 14 persons dead.
A statement by her Media Assistant, Joe Obi reads, “This morning at 0932 hours, Local Time, an Embraer 120 aircraft, with registration number 5N-BJY operated by Associated Airlines on a private charter flight from Lagos to Akure, crashed shortly after take-off from the Domestic Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
“At departure, the crew of the chartered operation reported 20 persons on board, including crew.
“The Control Tower immediately activated the Crash Alarm of the airport as the first step of the Emergency Response Procedure. The First Responders immediately proceeded to the crash site. The FAAN Fire Service Department, ambulances and other relevant emergency apparatus successfully extinguished the fire within 2 minutes despite the surging crowd.
“The rescue effort secured 6 survivors and 14 fatalities. The 6 survivors were promptly transported to the hospital and are receiving appropriate medical care. Rescue Coordination and Trauma Centers have been set up at the Annex of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to provide necessary information and support.
“The Authorities are contacting families of the victims of this unfortunate incident, and upon completion, will make information about the identities of the victims public. The Federal Ministry of Aviation deeply commiserates with the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.
“The Black Box of the aircraft has been located and is in the custody of the Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau who, with the cooperation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant agencies have commenced full investigation into the cause of the accident.
“While it is too early to determine the cause of the accident, we urge the public to be patient while the investigation progresses. I assure the public that the investigation will be thorough and that our airspace remains safe and secure.”
Well meaning Nigerians have been mourning the death of the victims. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said “As we await the full details of who and what we as a country had lost, my thoughts are with the Agagu family and all the other families involved in this tragedy. I pray for strength for all those involved, and speedy recovery for survivors.”
Also, Senate President David Mark described the crash as “More than double tragedy. It is sad. It is disheartening. This is death too cruel”.
Mark stated further that “This is one tragedy that a man is tempted to question the essence of human existence. But as ordinary mortals, we lack the locus standing to question our creator. In all circumstances, we give thanks to the Almighty. May God’s wish be done.
“He prayed that God gives the nation, especially the immediate families of the deceased the fortitude to bear this painful loss, just as he prayed that the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Meanwhile, Northern States Governors Forum has also expressed shock and deep sadness over the incident, describing it as a national tragedy.
The chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger through his Media Assistant said, “The safety of the flying public must be of paramount importance to those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safe air travels, and no stone should be left unturned in ensuring this”.
Meanwhile, the burial of the late former Ondo state Governor Olusegun Agagau will still go ahead on Friday as planned, family insisted.
