Crash victims’ relatives paid $3.95m compensation —Dana

A total of $3.95m has been paid as compensation to relatives of passengers and crew members, who died in the June 3, 2012 Dana Air crash in Lagos, the airline has said.

Dana Air said on Monday that its insurers had made progress in the payment of compensation.

The Head, Corporate Communications, Dana Air, Mr. Tony Usidamen, said 106 families had received different amounts as compensation.

He said, “As of Friday, May 24, 2013, ninety-five of the 125 families who completed claim forms had received interim compensation of $30,000 following legal verification of documentation and next-of-kin status, while 11 have received full compensation of $100,000.

“About 21 more, whose grant of probate has just come through, will receive full payment shortly, upon execution of release.”

The crash claimed the lives of 153 passengers and crew members onboard the flight, and at least 10 people on the ground.

Usidamen said the delay in completion of the payment process was due to incomplete documentation, cases of multiple claims, challenge in securing grant of probate/letter of guardianship in the case of minors, and legal suits.

According to him, 62 persons have legal representation overseas.

“Our insurers are, however, sparing no efforts in processing all claims in accordance with the applicable law,” he added.

The Dana spokesperson said progress was also being made in compensation of ground victims and negotiations were ongoing with affected residents to settle all genuine claims within the shortest possible time.

The airline, in the statement, noted that a number of activities were being planned to commemorate the crash.

Usidamen said investigation into the cause of the accident was conducted by the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau with technical support from the United States National Transportation Safety Board.

He explained that a preliminary report was released by the AIB on July 12, 2012.

“Investigations are, however, ongoing, and Dana Air will continue to offer its full cooperation and assistance to the investigating authorities as may be required,” he said.

On certification of the carrier, Usidamen said after the airline satisfactorily completed a process of recertification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, a new Air Operator Certificate was issued to it on December 5, 2012 and scheduled operations commenced on January 4, 2013.

On activities to commemorate the crash, he said there would be a Jumat service on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Lagos Central Mosque, while on Sunday, June 2, 2013, a special memorial mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church would be held.

“The safety and comfort of our guests and crew has always been our major priority and we will continue to go the extra mile to provide an unparalleled level of service to air travellers in Nigeria,” Usidamen added.