Ethiopian Airlines confirmed a fatal crash early Sunday morning, resulting in 157 fatalities aboard the aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 was en route from Bole International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when it crashed six minutes after takeoff near Bishoftu, formerly known as Debre Zeit.
The flight carried 149 passengers and eight crew members, with 32 Kenyan nationals among the victims. The aircraft had passengers from over 30 nationalities, including 18 Canadians, nine Ethiopians, eight Italians, eight Chinese, eight Americans, seven Britons, seven French citizens, six Egyptians, five Dutch citizens, four Indians, and representatives from Slovakia, Austria, Sweden, Russia, Morocco, Spain, and Israel.
Ethiopian Airlines stated that search and rescue operations were underway at the crash site, with staff dispatched to assist emergency services. The airline emphasized its commitment to supporting affected families and cooperating with investigations.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed condolences on social media, stating, "My prayers go to all the families and associates of those on board" following the tragedy. No official cause of the crash has been released yet.
