On 17 March, officials began delivering one-kilogramme sacks of scorched earth taken from the Ethiopian Airlines crash site, because the identification process for the bodies is taking very long.
An Ethiopian Government official, who also asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to reporters, confirmed the deliveries of soil.
Forensic Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) work has begun to identify the remains but this may take up to six months as the body parts are in small pieces. Authorities say they will issue death certificates of the victims that came from 35 countries within the next two weeks.
Empty coffins for the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 made their way into the churchyard while mourners beat their chests and screamed in anguish. In lieu of remains, officials gave relatives scorched earth from the crash site. https://t.co/mEDyMzVDoT
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 17, 2019
Meanwhile, Boeing issued a new statement:
Boeing CEO Muilenburg Issues Statement on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Accident Investigation
Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg issued the following statement regarding the report from Ethiopian Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges today.
First and foremost, our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those onboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.
Boeing continues to support the investigation, and is working with the authorities to evaluate new information as it becomes available. Safety is our highest priority as we design, build and support our airplanes. As part of our standard practice following any accident, we examine our aircraft design and operation, and when appropriate, institute product updates to further improve safety. While investigators continue to work to establish definitive conclusions, Boeing is finalizing its development of a previously-announced software update and pilot training revision that will address the MCAS flight control law’s behavior in response to erroneous sensor inputs. We also continue to provide technical assistance at the request of and under the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Accredited Representative working with Ethiopian investigators.
In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about the ongoing accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authorities.
CHICAGO, March 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/
