Number of Indians dead in Ethiopian plane crash could be more than four
New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI): The death of Indians and their family members in the Ethiopian plane crash appears to be more than previously estimated.
"I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you have lost six members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I have asked Indian envoys in Kenya and Ethiopia to reach you immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members," external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Monday.
On Sunday late evening, Swaraj had tweeted: "India Embassy in Ethiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg."
Indian ambassador in Ethiopia Anurag Srivastava tweeted to inform Swaraj he has spoken to Vaidya’s son in Toronto and reassured him of all assistance through the embassy.
"I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family," Swaraj tweeted.
The Indian embassy in Ethiopia has informed that for any assistance by families of Indian nationals who have died in the air crash, people may contact V. Suresh, second secretary (consular) on mobile: 251 911506852 and Mohan Lal, head of chancery on the mobile number 251 911506851.
In a twitter missive tagging Swaraj, a Ms Hiral wrote: "Hello, I am daughter-in-law of the Vaidya family. Correct names are Pannagesh Bhaskar Vaidya and Hansini Pannagesh Vaidya. Also tried reaching two officers but no luck. Please reach us at 14377727702."
Swaraj also directed Rahul Chhabra, Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi to provide all help and assistance to the people concerned.
Among the deceased is Shikha Garg, a "consultant with the ministry of environment and forests".
"She was traveling to attend UNEP meeting in Nairobi. I am trying to reach the families of other Indian nationals," Swaraj said.
According to media reports, Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed Sunday morning shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
The plane had 149 passengers and eight crew members on board, the airline said. There were no survivors.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it will send a team to help with the investigation.
The plane was carrying passengers from more than 30 countries, media reports said.
In a tweet, Union science and environment minister Harshvardhan said: "My condolences to the families of four Indian nationals who have died in an unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines. Sadly, a UNDP consultant attached to my ministry Ms Shikha Garg also died in the crash. My prayers for the departed souls."
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