India stands with families of Indian died in Ethiopian plane crash

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday spoke to the families of the four Indians who lost their lives in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on Sunday and assured the families of assistance from the Indian High Commission in Ethiopia and Kenya. “I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas.  Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings,” Swaraj tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj had appealed on Twitter for assistance to reach out to the family of Shikha Garg, one of the four Indians killed in the crash. Swaraj wrote, “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” on Twitter.

Garg was a UNDP consultant attached to the Environment Ministry. Three other Indians killed in the crash are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh and Nukavarapu Manisha.

Meanwhile, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. “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,” he said. Investigations have been launched to ascertain the cause behind the crash. 

(With inputs from agencies.)