About the flight TM 470 Maputo – Luanda

VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS 

11.00 (Maputo), 09 December 2013 

UPDATE ON THE ACCIDENT INVOLVING LAM MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES FLIGHT TM470

Following is our 7th update following the tragic loss of LAM Mozambique Airlines flight TM470 on Friday, 29th November 2013

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES CONTINUES

LAM continues to give support to the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident.  We are in personal contact with the families regularly to inform them of any new developments and ensure they understand the complex process that follows an accident such as this.  Psychologists continue to be available to the families to help them cope with their loss and sadness and we will continue to provide other support as needed.

A mural has been unveiled outside LAM’s offices in Maputo and a condolence book has been opened so that loved ones and friends can lay flowers and leave remembrance messages to the passengers and crew members who perished on 29 November.

IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

The identification process is complex but methodical and involves DNA matching.  While it is a slow process, it is the most accurate.  Family members of those who died in the crash have come forward to provide DNA samples and other helpful descriptions and photographs.  This has been deeply upsetting for families who, despite this, have been most keen to inform and assist those involved with the identification process. 

The collection of DNA has been conducted by experienced forensic specialists; sympathetic and understanding counsellors as well as translators are collecting essential information and guiding the families through the process.

FACTS NOT HEARSAY

LAM is concerned that media in other countries, and on the Internet, are presenting speculation and hearsay as fact and that this is being re-reported in Mozambique and elsewhere, either formally or informally, causing anxiety, upset and uncertainty locally.

The very sad fact is that, because of the impact of the crash, there are no intact bodies. Although there were early reports that some passengers or crew might have evacuated the plane before it crashed, this is speculation.  Media reports suggesting that two bodies had not been recovered was also speculation made on the day after the accident by passers-by with no understanding or experience of the aftermath of air crashes. 

INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT

Investigating the cause of the crash is the responsibility of the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority supported by the equivalent civil aviation authorities in Angola, Botswana, Brazil and Mozambique plus the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).  LAM will, of course, provide every possible support to the investigation. 

SAFETY FIRST

Safety has always been the first priority of LAM.   The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and recently passed IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is the internationally benchmarked gold standard measure of airline safety. 

IOSA is applied, equally and without compromise, to all IATA members worldwide and it is a pre-requisite for continued membership of IATA. The African Union, in its 2012 Abuja Declaration on Aviation Safety, has adopted IOSA as the best measure of safety for member states.   Despite the improvements to safety, no audits are bullet-proof and, regrettably, accidents can and do occur.   Rest assured that LAM will continue to be diligent and vigilant in its operations.

We will provide another update as new information is available.

ENDS

LAM Mozambique Airlines

Media hotline: +258 82 577 7946

www.LAM.co.MZ

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