Ethiopia Airlines crash: UN consultant Shikha Garg among 4 Indians killed, confirms Sushma Swaraj

A UN consultant attached with the Environment Ministry was among four Indians killed on board an Ethiopian airlines plane that crashed soon after taking-off from Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa and headed to Nairobi in Kenya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday.

Shikha Garg, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting in Nairobi. "My colleague Dr Harsh Vardhan (Environment Minister) has confirmed that Ms.Shikha Garg is a Consultant with the Ministry of Environment and Forests. She was travelling to attend the UNEP meeting in Nairobi," Swaraj said.

My colleague Dr.Harshvardhan has confirmed that Ms.Shikha Garg is a Consultant with Ministry of Environment and Forests. She was travelling to attend UNEP meeting in Nairobi. I am trying to reach the families of other Indian nationals. PL RT and help. @IndiaInEthiopia /3

- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019

Swarah also sought twitterati's help in reaching Garg and other deceased Indian nationals' families.

I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family.

- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019

Pls help me reach their families. @IndiaInEthiopia https://t.co/fl3H0ZbodZ

- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019

The Minister has asked the Indian high commissioner in Ethiopia to extend all possible help to the families of the victims killed in crash. Swaraj said that the Indian nationals killed in the crash are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg as informed to her by the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia.

"I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families," Swaraj tweeted.

I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families. @IndiaInEthiopia

- Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019

Meanwhile PM Modi also condoled the unfortunate deaths in Ethiopia. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane. My thoughts are with the bereaved families." he tweeted.

Anguished by the loss of lives due to the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane. My thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM @narendramodi

- PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 10, 2019

"My condolences to the families of four Indian nationals who have died in an unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines. Sadly, a UNDP consultant attached to my ministry @moefcc Ms Shikha Garg, also died in the crash. My prayers for the departed souls," Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan tweeted.

My condolences to the families of four Indian nationals who have died in an unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines.Sadly,a UNDP consultant attached to my ministry @moefcc Ms Shikha Garg,also died in the crash. My prayers for the departed souls. @IndiaInEthiopia @SushmaSwaraj

- Dr. Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 10, 2019

The Ethiopian State broadcaster EBC reported no survivors in the crash killing all 157 on board, 149 passengers and 8 crew members. The state TV also said that there were 35 nationalities amongst the dead.

The Boeing 737 Max plane crashed roughly six minutes after an early morning take-off around 8.44 am local time from Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa on its way to Kenya's capital Nairobi.

Also Read: Ethiopian Airlines plane crash: Sushma Swaraj assures help to families of deceased

According to air traffic monitor Flightradar24, the plane had manifested unstable vertical speed soon after taking-off and crashed near Tulu Fara village outside the town of Bishoftu, around 50 km south of Addis Ababa.

The state-owned Ethiopian is considered the best managed airline in Africa. It couldn't be ascertained immediately as to what caused the crash of Boeing 737-8 Max plane which was delivered to the airline in November last year, according to records.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will also seek information from Boeing as well and Jet Airways, Spice Jet operating Boeing 737 Max aircraft following the Ethiopian plane crash, a senior official said.

Also Read: DGCA to seek information on Boeing's 737 MAX planes from Indian carriers post Ethiopian crash