The insurers of the ill-fated Dana Air, has commenced payment of USD 70,000 to families of the victims of the June 3 plane crash that claimed over 150 lives having earlier made advance payments of USD 30,000 to over 80 families.

The Civil aviation Act states that the sum of $100,000 be paid as compensation to families of victims of air disasters.

The Dana Air’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Tony Usidamen, while confirming the payment to journalists, said following the receipt of letter of authentification from the probate registry, “Our insurers have begun balance payment of $70,000 to affected families.

According to him, only four other families have, so far, presented the requisite grant of probate or letter of administration, and payment will shortly be made to them.

He noted that in order to assess and verify full compensation due and payable, it was necessary for claimants to produce the required grants of probate or letters of administration which would then have to be authenticated by the Probate registry.

“This is a customary procedure to ensure that compensation is only paid to the right next of kin.

Dana Air, according to him, has no control over the speed with which the Probate registry deals with the verification process, although maximum pressure is being exerted to expedite this.

He explained further, that the case of minors, a letter of guardianship has to be produced by the parents or guardian in order to access full payment.

“This is not a precondition given by Dana Air or its insurers but a standard legal requirement to ensure that due compensation is paid only to those who have entitlement, he posited.

He, however, said the management of Dana Air appreciates how difficult this period is for all the families and are also aware of the challenges they are facing in getting the required legal documents for accessing the final payments.