Further to our briefing of 0600 hours this morning, we wish to provide further update on the accident involving KQ 431 at 2108 GMT off the Coast of Abidjan.
179 total ( 168 passenger 11 crew)
Names and condition of passengers and crew, not yet known at the present time although reports coming through indicates some survivors. “Kenya Airways extends its deep sympathy to the relatives and friends of the passengers and crew on board flight 431 and confirms a proactive effort to work with the families of the passengers onboard the flight. As we confirm the names, we will notify the relatives first before we release any any names to the public. We know the process is painful for family members and friends, so we ask for patience and understanding”‘ says Kenya Airways Managing Director Richard Nyaga.
The airline has put in place the following the accident response procedures.
Accident Response Procedures.
An accident response centre has been formed at HQ and has been operational since 0030 hrs (LT).
A passenger information centre has been formed at Barclays plaza, telephone numbers (245-2) 241597, 251132 and 249247.
Friends and relatives information centre has been formed Hotel Intercontinental, telephone number (245-2) 261000.
A press information centre has been established at the Grand Regency, telephone number (245-2) 211199, 219481 and 220386.
A team will fly out this morning to Abidjan/Lagos and will include the DCA, accident investigators together with Senior Engineers from Kenya Airways.
The team will also comprise of local crisis and counseling experts and support Kenya Airways staff who are trained in comforting friends, relatives and survivors.
An information centre is being set up in Abidjan and Lagos and professional assistance has been sourced from professional instituions trained in emergency response and will travel to Abidjan and Lagos to assist in the handling of the bereaved.
Government of Kenya Ministry of Information, Transport and Communication and Ministry of Foreign affairs have been briefed.
The accident control center, passenger information centre and press centre will all remain open throughout and will do so for as long as necessary.
Assistance has also been sought from KLM and British airways and more specifically in London British Airways EPIC centre (Emergency Procedures Information Centre) has been established as a crisis urgent Centre) has been established as a crisis urgent centre to handle Nigeria. Their telephone contact is 00044-2082839666.
Further briefing will be conducted at 1400hrs at the Grand Regency Hotel.
Ends.
Issued by: Kenya Airways Public Relations Division.
Further Details: Please contact Koome Mwambia
Telephone: (254 2) 823489
Cell Phone: 072 510448.
Facts About Kenya Airways
Operating Statistics 1998-99 Passengers carried ……….. 1,047,440
Revenue passenger kilometres……. 2,049
Available Seat kilometres …………… 3,227
Passenger Load Factor …………………62.5
Tonnes of Cargo Carried…………..15,175
No. of flights per day ……….Ave. 25
Fleet size:
10 aircraft: 4 Airbus 310-300(A310-300), 4 Boeing 737-300 (B737-300) 2 Boeing 737-200 (2B737-200)
