The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has expressed shock over this morning’s plane crash in Lagos, describing it as an unspeakable tragedy.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, condoled the bereaved families as well as the Ondo State and federal governments.

“As confirmed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Associated Airlines chartered flight heading for Akure, the Ondo State capital, took off at roughly 9:30 am (0830 GMT) from the domestic terminal at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, but the engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames,” Eze said in the statement. “The plane was said to be carrying the body Dr. Olusegun Agagu, a former governor of Ondo State and an erstwhile chieftain of our great party, who died on September 13 and is scheduled to be buried this weekend,” he added.

Expressing its feeling and condolences, New PDP, as the faction is otherwise called, said: “We are shattered by the news of this unspeakable tragedy, especially as the flight also had some prominent personalities on board.

“Our hearts go out to the Agagu family, to the families of victims of the crash, as well as to the people and Government of Ondo State, and especially to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and, indeed, all Nigerians. We also sympathise with the management of Associated Airlines on this great tragedy.

“We urge Nigerians to remember the victims and their families in their prayers and to intensify prayers for our dear nation in these difficult times.”

•News Express Photo by Rukevwe Onoharigho shows rescue teams at work at the Associated Airlines crash site in Mafoluku, Lagos.