Emotions ran high as families of those aboard the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 gathered at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, awaiting information about their loved ones. The crash on March 10, 2019, left at least 100 family members in distress, with some protesting after being kept in the dark for nearly six hours.
Relatives criticized the lack of communication from government agencies, airport management, and Ethiopian Airlines, forcing them to rely on conflicting social media reports. "Some say four people survived, while others paint a disastrous picture," said Robert Mutanda, whose brother-in-law was among the passengers traveling from Canada to Kenya via Addis Ababa.
After hours of waiting, authorities dispersed without explanation by 8 p.m. on Sunday, leaving families and Kenya Aviation Authority workers to depart the scene. Kenya Red Cross counselors found little to do as grief-stricken relatives left the airport, some still unaware of their loved ones' fates.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian government held critical information, while a representative from the Ministry of Transport announced a press briefing for 9 a.m. Monday. However, families remained frustrated, with one man demanding, "Just tell me if my sister is dead and I’ll go and mourn at home."
At 3 p.m., Ethiopian Airlines public relations officer Rosana confirmed all 157 passengers and crew had died in the crash near Bishoftu, 62 kilometers from Addis Ababa. The Boeing 737-800MAX had reportedly encountered technical difficulties shortly after takeoff, with pilots requesting to return before the plane crashed. Witnesses described a massive fireball at the site, with firefighters unable to approach due to the intensity of the blaze.
The Kenya Airports Authority provided an emergency hotline for affected families, while counseling services were later established at the hotel. Despite the tragedy, some critics accused the airline of prioritizing its reputation over the needs of grieving relatives.
