32 Kenyans among those killed in Ethiopian jet crash

New development from Ethiopian authorities now indicates that 32 Kenyans and 17 Ethiopians are among the dead following a plane crash.

However Transport CS James Macharia said there were at least five nationalities with Kenya being the most affected with a loss of 32 lives.

Others are 18 Canadians, 9 Ethiopians, 8 Chinese, 8 Italians, 8 Americans,7 French, 7 British, 6 Egypt, 5 Netherlands and 4 UN passport

Though it is not yet clear as to what caused the Sunday morning crash, the airline has published a photo of its CEO standing amid wreckage of the plane.

“Tewolde Gebremariam, who is at the accident scene now, regrets to confirm that there are no survivors. He expresses his profound sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of passengers and crew who lost their lives in this tragic accident.”

The airline had earlier on said that all the 149 passengers and 8 member crew had perished in the crash.

The accident happened in Bishoftu.

The Airlines Corporate Communications Director Asrat Begashaw said there were 33 nationalities on board.

The plane is said to have just been purchased 4 months ago.

"The aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET-AVJ, took off at 8.38am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport, and lost contact at 8.44am," the airline said in a statement.

So far President Uhuru Kenyatta has offered his condolence message, saying, "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."

Ethiopian Prime Minister  Abiy Ahmed also sent condolences to the affected families.

Deputy President William Ruto said, "Saddened by news of an incident involving an Ethiopian Airlines scheduled flight to Nairobi this morning with 149 passengers and 8 crew. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families whose loved ones were on board."

AU Envoy Raila Odinga said, "My deeply felt condolences to the people of Ethiopia following the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. My prayers are with the families and relatives of victims."