The Boeing 737 was on a regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya from Addis Ababa when it took off at 8:38am local time, but lost contact at 8:44am.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed there were deaths, but did not give a specific number.
He tweeted: “The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it’s deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning.”
The cause of the crash of flight ET302 is still unknown at this time.
A spokesperson from Ethiopian Airlines released a statement saying the airline lost contact with Bole International Airport six mintues after take off before crashing 60 kilometres South-east of the airport.
Search and rescue operations are underway and there is no informtion about about survivors or possible casualities.
The statement reads: “Ethiopian Airlines regrets to confirm that its flight ET 302/10 March in schedule service from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in an accident today around Bishoftu (Debre Zeit).
“The aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET- AVJ took off at 08:38 am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport and lost contact at 08:44am.
“At this time search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible causalities. Ethiopian Airlines staff will be sent to the accident scene and will do everything possible to assist the emergency services.
“It is believed that there were 149 passengers and 8 crew onboard the flight but we are currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight.
“Ethiopian Airlines is establishing a passenger information center and telephone number will be available shortly for family or friends of those who may have been on flight ET 302/10 March.”
Some flights out of Addis Ababa were delayed or cancelled this morning, it has been reported.
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