Dana Air plane crash
A
total of $3.95m has been paid as compensation to relatives of
passengers and crew members, who died in the June 3, 2012 Dana Air crash
in Lagos, the airline has said.
Dana Air said on Monday that its insurers had made progress in the payment of compensation.
The Head, Corporate Communications, Dana
Air, Mr. Tony Usidamen, said 106 families had received different
amounts as compensation.
He said, “As of Friday, May 24, 2013,
ninety-five of the 125 families who completed claim forms had received
interim compensation of $30,000 following legal verification of
documentation and next-of-kin status, while 11 have received full
compensation of $100,000.
“About 21 more, whose grant of probate has just come through, will receive full payment shortly, upon execution of release.”
The crash claimed the lives of 153 passengers and crew members onboard the flight, and at least 10 people on the ground.
Usidamen said the delay in completion of
the payment process was due to incomplete documentation, cases of
multiple claims, challenge in securing grant of probate/letter of
guardianship in the case of minors, and legal suits.
According to him, 62 persons have legal representation overseas.
“Our insurers are, however, sparing no efforts in processing all claims in accordance with the applicable law,” he added.
The Dana spokesperson said progress was
also being made in compensation of ground victims and negotiations were
ongoing with affected residents to settle all genuine claims within the
shortest possible time.
The airline, in the statement, noted that a number of activities were being planned to commemorate the crash.
Usidamen said investigation into the
cause of the accident was conducted by the Nigerian Accident
Investigation Bureau with technical support from the United States
National Transportation Safety Board.
He explained that a preliminary report was released by the AIB on July 12, 2012.
“Investigations are, however, ongoing,
and Dana Air will continue to offer its full cooperation and assistance
to the investigating authorities as may be required,” he said.
On certification of the carrier,
Usidamen said after the airline satisfactorily completed a process of
recertification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, a new Air
Operator Certificate was issued to it on December 5, 2012 and scheduled
operations commenced on January 4, 2013.
On activities to commemorate the crash,
he said there would be a Jumat service on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the
Lagos Central Mosque, while on Sunday, June 2, 2013, a special memorial
mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church would be held.
“The safety and comfort of our guests
and crew has always been our major priority and we will continue to go
the extra mile to provide an unparalleled level of service to air
travellers in Nigeria,” Usidamen added.
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