TANZANIA: Pope Francis Condoles with Victims of Tanzania Plane Crash
7396NO-TANZANIA-ACCIDENT_BODIES_O_
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA and Sarah Pelaji
Pope Francis has sent message of condolences to families of the victims of Precision Air Flight that crashed into Lake Victoria Sunday, November 6, when flying from Dar es Salaam enroute to Bukoba town in north Tanzania.
In his message sent by the Secretary to the State Piero Cardinal Parolin and shared by the counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature Mons. Richard Gyhra, the Holy Father expressed his “sadness” following the loss of victims.
“Having learned with sadness of the plane in crash Bukoba, His Holiness Pope Francis sends condolences and offers the assurance of is spiritual closeness to all those affected by this tragedy, especially the families of the victims,” reads part of the condolences message sent to the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga and addressed to all people of Tanzania.
The Cardinal highlighted that the Pope, “Prays in particular for the eternal repose of the repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and strength for those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.”
“Upon all his holiness invokes the consolation and peace of the Almighty God,” the Secretary of the State noted.
As reported by the relevant authorities in Tanzania, the plane crashed into the water 100 meters away from the airport. As a result, 23 people were saved and 19 died, including pilots and two crew members
According to reports by the relevant authorities in Tanzania, the plane crashed into the water 100 meters away from the airport killing 19 people as a result of bad weather including pilots and two crew members, while 23 were saved.
Earlier during the week on Monday, November 7, the Catholic bishops of Tanzania sent their condolences to the families of the victims saying, “The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) extends its deepest condolences to all the victims and casualties of the plane crash in Bukoba in Kagera Region.”
“TEC wishes the family members and all Tanzanians strength during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen,” Catholic Bishops say.
Giving greetings on behalf of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference TEC in the farewell service for 19 bodies in the field of Kaitaba Bukoba on November 7 this year, the Auxiliary Bishop and Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba Rt. Rev Methodius Kilaini said that the Catholic Church of Tanzania unites with the whole nation to mourn with faith in the response to the accident that brought sadness and anxiety among Tanzanians.
He consoled those who lost their loved ones due to the accident, saying that the Catholic Church is with them in prayer so that God receives them in His Kingdom and comfort the families affected by the tragedy.
However, He has warned all those who blame the government that it does not have a professional procedure in saving people’s lives in such an emergency.
“Accident is not immune although sometimes it is true that we have to take action. It is time to unite and pray instead of condemning each other. No one had expected or prepared that the plane would crash,” he said.
However, he explained that the air traffic controllers at the Bukoba airport should have given expert advice in advance about the weather the pilot could get back to Mwanza.
The prelate asked the government and the relevant authorities to make improvements at Bukoba airport which is small and its infrastructure not very friendly and also to expand the airport ground to eliminate the risk of aircraft accident.
Among those who lost their lives is Sister Eunice Wangari of the Society of St. Theresa of the Carmelites who was doing her mission in Nyakato Parish, Mwanza Diocese whose body has been transported to Kenya for burial on Saturday, November 12.
The Bishops of the Catholic Church in Tanzania have celebrated a special Mass to pray for the deceased and the injured in the accident.
Bukoba Airport is temporarily closed until the authorities announce its reopening.
