Dana Crash: US Offers to Assist in Investigation

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, made the offer

By Tokunbo Adedoja

United States has said it was prepared to assist Nigeria in its investigation of Sunday's plane crash involving Dana Air Flight 0992 which claimed over 153 lives.

The offer of assistance was contained in a  statement issued by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to condole with families of victims of the tragic incident.

"We stand with the people of Nigeria at this difficult time and we are prepared to assist the Nigerian Government in its investigation of this tragic accident", Clinton said.

US government also said it could confirm that there were some of its citizens on board the ill-fated flight.

Deputy Spokesman of the State Department, Mark Toner, at a press briefing in Washington, said, "We’re still, frankly, unable to provide a firm number. Once we’re able to, we’ll get that to you all.

"I can also say that our consulate in Lagos is working both to notify the next of kin and also provide any appropriate consular assistance."

Also, a minute silence was held in Washington DC in honour of the victims of the ill-fated Dana Air Flight 0992, at the opening session of a high-level meeting between Nigerian and United States officials.

Senior Vice President of United States Institute of Peace’s Centers of Innovation, David Smock, who moderated the high level, called for a minutes silence in honour of the victims of the air crash at the beginning of the opening session.

His call set the tone for all other speakers to seize the opportunity to also extend their condolences to Nigeria and the families of the victims.

Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns, in his remarks said, "we meet today against a sad and tragic backdrop. Let me extend once again our deepest and sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the terrible plane crash in Lagos."

Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Dr. James Miller, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba in there various remarks described the tragedy as unfortunate and condoled the nation and the families of the victims.

Also, national flags at the Nigerian embassy in Washington, and Nigerian missions in New York and Atlanta were flown at half mast as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In line with Federal Government's declaration of three days of mourning, the Nigerian embassy in Washington also cancelled a reception billed for last night for both Nigerian and US delegates to the meeting.