PRESIDENT JONATHAN ORDERS PROBE OF AIR CRASH

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday ordered a thorough investigation into the crash of an Akure-bound Associated Airlines aircraft in Lagos on Thursday.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr Reuben Abati.

Abati said the president directed all the relevant agencies to carry out the investigation with a view to determining the cause of the crash.

He said the president viewed the crash as “most unfortunate and regrettable, given the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to enhance aviation safety in the country”.

Abati said the president received the news of the crash with “shock and sadness” and mourned the victims of the accident.

“On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends condolences to all families, who lost members in the plane crash.
“The president also extends condolences to the government and people of Ondo State, who have been plunged into sorrow yet again, while preparing to lay their former governor, Olusegun Agagu, to rest.

“President Jonathan 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,” Abati said.

The  ill-fated aircraft was conveying the remains of Agagu and relatives of the deceased from Lagos to Akure, when it crashed.

Meanwhile, Dr Oke Osayintolu, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, has confirmed that 11 people died and four others sustained injuries in the crash. (NAN)