LAGOS — TWENTY two bodies of victims of the tragic June 3, 2012 Dana Air crash have so far been properly identified and released to the families for burial, just as 68 families including four crew members have so far submitted completed insurance forms to the airline management.
Nine of the claimants have obtained claims of cheques for interim benefits following legal verification of documentation and next of kin status.
A statement by the Dana Air management on the on-going response to the incident also confirmed the airline had made direct contact with 119 of the 120 families who lost loved ones in the accident, and was in contact with the nine embassies managing communications with the families of the foreign nationals involved.
According to the statement released, yesterday, the families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and subsequent communication about the insurance documentation necessary in order to facilitate compensation payments even as final DNA samples of unidentifiable bodies of the victims, were sent to a laboratory in the United Kingdom for testing.
The statement said: “The company is in contact with all other families who have submitted relevant documents to Dana Air’s Crisis Management Centre, CMC, in Lagos and Abuja, and has advised that they come forward to the Chambers of Yomi Oshikoya & Co, appointed by the insurers in Lagos, to conclude advance payment formalities.”
The airline said on Tuesday that it presented cheques to seven severely affected families to secure accommodation, as a palliative measure, noting: “The decision to monetize the gesture was based on the request by the affected families at a meeting between them and Dana Air officials last Thursday.
“Dana Air is aware and perfectly understands and respects that most of the next of kin or legal representatives who submitted documents, or are yet to visit the CMC and submit documentations to us, are still observing the customary mourning period. Advance payment claims will be concluded on a case by case basis as and when claimants find it convenient to come forward.
“The company continues to maintain contact with these families, as well as other residents who are affected in varying degrees. and has given assurances that adequate compensation will be paid to them as soon as possible; updates on steps being taken will be provided to all affected persons and/or their representatives on a regular basis.” Dana Air also said it was leaving no stone unturned towards the rehabilitation of the displaced Iju-Ishaga residents but lamented it was not carried along by the investigating agency. “As yet, the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, has not shared with us any of the information that it has due to it being an ongoing exercise, and as a result we are limited in the facts that we can provide. However, we are doing everything within our power to ensure that the facts are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again.
“At this time, all of the senior management team of Dana Air are focused on providing assistance to the families, and also full cooperation to the authorities carrying out investigations into the cause of the accident.
Affirming preparedness to fully honour its duty to the families of the departed as stipulated by the law governing such tragedies, the airline said to facilitate completion of claims forms, and prompt payment of benefits to the affected families, it would continue to provide dedicated toll-free lines to the Crisis Management Centre until all claims have been addressed and settled.
Further, the airline said had provided relief materials to all affected residents and, in conjunction with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, had made advanced efforts towards securing accommodation for the families.
SOURCE: 5 July 2012.
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