Plane goes down after takeoff, nearly 100 dead

A Nigerian airliner crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing at least 98 of the 104 passengers on board. The ADC Airlines Boeing 737 fell to the ground and burst into flames one minute after taking off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Nigerian aviation industry has been scrutinized for its apparent corruption and willingness to compromise passenger safety. There have been three deadly crashes involving passenger planes in the past year in Nigeria.  

The crash claimed the lives of several prominent figures in Nigeria. Alhaji Muhammad Maccido, the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims died along with his son. A senator, deputy governor and an education commissioner were also among the dead.

Nigeria’s president, Olusegun Obasabjo, ordered an immediate investigation into the crash. The President has voiced his belief that rampant corruption has led to the recent tragedies involving Nigeria’s aviation industry.

It has been just over one year since another 737 crashed after takeoff in Lagos. That tragedy claimed the lives of all 117 on board. This past December 107 passengers were killed when their plane was approaching Port Harcourt.