Residents gather at the site of the crash...(PHOTO ESSAY: Plane Crashes in Lagos Residential Area )
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared three days of national mourning for those who lost their lives in a Dana plane crash in Lagos, according to a statement from Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The Dana Air flight from Abuja to Lagos crashed a few kilometers to the airport with 147 people on board, according to an airline official.
The statement by the presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan had cancelled all his public engagements scheduled for tomorrow and had also directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast for the three days of national mourning.
The President has also ordered the "fullest possible investigation" into the crash.
The statement said that in compliance with the President's directive, the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, had already left Abuja for Lagos to oversee the crash investigations and present an interim report to the Federal Government as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the airline, Mr Tony Usidamen, said that 147 people were on board the plane, 139 of them passengers. (NAN)
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My heart and prayers go to the people of Nigeria, and especially to those families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones in this devastating tragedy. Having been to Nigeria a few times, I know Nigerians to be a resilient group of people and they will overcome this tragedy too.
Plane crashes can occur anytime, anywhere. That is why finding the cause of this crash and eradicating such potential problems is critical to avoiding such tragedies in the future. President Jonathan's first steps are in the right direction but must be followed by more strict controls and regulations for aircraft safety.
Best wishes to the Nigerian People and may the Good Lord Bless You.
Sam.