LaoagAir crash victims told to contact insurer

The management of Laoag International Airlines (LaoagAir) urged yesterday the victims and the families of those who were killed during the crash of one of its aircraft in Manila Bay last Nov. 11, to get in touch with the representatives of its insurance firm in Manila.

Capt. Paul Ng, board chairman of LaoagAir, said the crash victims could contact the local lawyers and agents of the Australia-based Heath Lambert Insurance Co. (Saklolo Leaño, Gerome Bonsol and Justine Campaña) at telephone number 867-4696.

So far, Ng said only two victims have completed their documentations and that their claims are now being facilitated.

He said Heath Lambert could not properly settle the insurance claims of the victims or their families unless they submit the necessary documents.

Meanwhile, Ng appealed to the government to lift the suspension of LaoagAir’s operating license, saying that the aviation board of inquiry had pinpointed "pilot error" or "human error" as the cause of the crash.

"No fault on the part of the management or the maintenance of the aircraft is involved," he said in a statement.