The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Wednesday, November 26, commemorated the 51st anniversary of the Lufthansa Flight LH540 tragedy, which occurred on November 26, 1974, at Nairobi’s then Embakasi Airport, now JKIA.The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, operating a flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg via Nairobi, stalled shortly after takeoff and tragically crashed during its initial climb.
The disaster resulted in the loss of 59 lives, marking one of the most devastating incidents in Kenya’s aviation history.
Among the survivors was Brendon Moorhouse, who was just six years old at the time and remains the youngest survivor of the crash.
On Wednesday, he returned to the crash site with his wife and JKIA officials to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to honor the memory of those affected by the accident.
The visit served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety.
Brendon’s return highlighted both personal resilience and the enduring impact of the tragedy on families and the broader aviation community.In a statement, KAA emphasized that the memory of the Lufthansa Flight LH540 victims continues to guide their commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety at JKIA.
The authority reiterated its dedication to ensuring that such accidents are prevented through rigorous safety protocols, training, and infrastructure improvements.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity for reflection on the progress made in Kenya’s aviation sector over the past five decades, showcasing advances in safety measures, emergency preparedness, and operational excellence.
KAA added by expressing solemn respect for the lives lost in the disaster and reaffirmed its pledge to uphold stringent safety measures to protect passengers and staff at Kenya’s airports.
By Nairobi