Ukrainian international airline Boeing 737 jet with 176 passengers has crashed shortly after takeoff in Iran, this happened just a few hours after missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and has led many to wonder if there is a connection between the two incidents.
Nigeria’s former aviation minister, Femi Fani Kayode has weighed in on the possible connection saying it is no coincidence that this comes same day and in just a few hours after the attack on U.S. military bases in Iraq described by Iranian officials as initial retaliation for the US targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani, a top general and commander of the special Quds forces.
“A Ukrainian Airline jet with 180 passengers has crashed just after it took off in Tehran, Iran. The plane was on its way to Kyiv, Ukraine. All 180 lives were lost.
“What a tragedy. The timing of this sad and terrible event is significant. I don’t believe in coincidences. RIP.
“A few hours after the attack on 2 U.S. bases a Ukrainian passenger jet mysteriously crashes near Tehran, killing all its passengers,
“I repeat I do not believe in coincidences. If it is established that this plane was shot down by the Iranians the consequences will be grave.” Femi Fani-Kayode wrote.
It was earlier reported by the Iranian state media that 180 passengers and crew had died in the crash, authorities in Kyiv had since confirmed that 176 passengers had died in the crash. The victims from 7 countries including 82 Iranians met a tragic end in another news on Wednesday.
Other victims of the crash were 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 from Sweden, 4 from Afghanistan, 3 from the UK and 3 German citizens.
Sources in Iran had earlier reported, the crash was due to technical difficulties but that is yet to be confirmed. Cause of the crash is yet to be established as emergency rescue workers and investigators continued to search the wreckage for victims and information that might help in the investigation.
Under international rules, the state operator of the jetliner, Ukraine, should participate in the investigation, likewise the state manufacturer and designer of the Boeing Aircraft, U.S.A
Vladimir Chimaobi reporting, Obinwannem News
