New Delhi: On Sunday, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed the death of four Indians in the Ethiopian plane crash in Addis Ababa, and said that the government is in touch with the airlines and local authorities there. As many as four Indians were among 157 people killed in the crash on Sunday, according to news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). However, in addition to it, extending condolences to the families of those killed in the incident, the official spokesperson of MEA, Raveesh Kumar said, “Our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the crash of #EthiopianAirlines passenger aircraft today. We are informed that four Indian nationals were on the flight. Our Mission in Addis Ababa is in touch with the airlines & local authorities.”

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Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asked the Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families. Swaraj also informed that one of the Indians killed in the crash was a consultant with the Ministry of Environment and Forests. She said in a series of tweets "My colleague Dr.Harshvardhan has confirmed that Ms.Shikha Garg is a Consultant with the 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,". The other three Indians who lost their lives in the mishap were Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh and Nukavarapu Manish. Swaraj said, “I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We've lost four Indian nationals in the air crash... Embassy of India in Ethiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg,”.

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It is to be noted that ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members onboard, the airline said in a statement. The aircraft took off at 08:38 am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport before losing contact at 08:44 am. According to reports, besides Indians, Canadians, Chinese, Americans, Italians, French, British, Egyptians were also among those killed in the crash. Kenya had the largest number of casualties with 32, AFP reported. However, the airline, has not confirmed the number of casualties as yet. “Ethiopian Airlines staff will be sent to the accident scene and will do everything possible to assist the emergency services. It is believed that there were 149 passengers and 8 crew onboard the flight but we are currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight,” the airline said in the statement.