The pilot of Ethiopian Airline Boeing 737 passenger plane that claimed the lives of 157 people informed Air Traffic Control that he was experiencing difficulty and wanted to return to Addis Ababa before the tragic incident occurred.
The pilot, who was identified as Captain Yared Mulugeta was an Ethiopian-born Kenyan national.
It, however, remains unclear what transpired after Mulugeta tried to contact the control before losing track.
The accident claimed lives of 32 Kenyans, 18 Canadians & 9 Ethiopians among those killed. Others were 8 Chinese, 8 Italians, 8 Americans, 7 Britons, 7 French, 6 Egyptians, 5 Netherlands, 4 Indians, 3 Russians, 2 Moroccan, 2 Israeli, Belgian, Ugandan, Yemeni, Sudanese, Togo, Mozambican and Norwegian.
Leaders from different parts of the world have sent their message of condolences to the families of the deceased.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Raila Amolo Odinga are among those who have expressed their shock following the tragic incident.
Uhuru said that the incident is a big blow to this nation.
“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,” Uhuru 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,” DP Ruto said.