Aviation Minister wades into Dana crash victims’ complaints

Following the numerous complaints of victims of the ill fated Dana Airline one year after, the Aviation Ministry has decided to wade into the complaints to partner with the airline and insurance companies to assist the victims of the crash.
Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah says the ministry is working with Dana Airline and insurance companies to process claims of families of victims.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Joe Obi, Special Assistant on Media to Aviation Minister, in Abuja yesterday.
Oduah said that it was not true that Dana airline was reluctant to pay the mandatory compensation to legitimate victims’ families.
“Compensation for air crash victims is to be paid according to the number of persons involved,’’ Oduah said.
It stated that in situations where several family members were involved, compensation would be paid according to individual persons involved instead of families.
It stated that that Section 48(3) of the Civil Aviation Act of 2006 provides that in any case of aircraft accident resulting in death or injury of passengers, the carrier shall make advance payments of at least US $30,000 about N4.7 million.
It said that the airline would make the payment within 30 days from the date of the accident to the natural persons or such natural persons entitled to claim compensation.
“Additionally, Article 17 of the Convention for The Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, under the Second Schedule to the Civil Aviation Act of 2006, holds the carrier liable for damage sustained in case of death or bodily injury of a passenger.
“Article 21 of the Modifications to the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage by Air, under the Third Schedule to the Civil Aviation Act of 2006, commands the payment of the sum not exceeding 100,000.00 US Dollars equivalent to N15.8million for each passenger in case of death.
It urged the general public, especially the family members of victims of the Dana crash, to disregard any rumour, excuse or explanation contrary to the above mentioned.     NAN