An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed on Sunday killing 157 people.

According to a statement from Ethiopian Airlines, the flight – which had 149 passengers on board and eight crew members – crashed at around Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) area.

“The aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET-AVJ took off at 08:38am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport and lost contact at 08:44am,” read the statement.

“At this time we have search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible casualties.”

Ethiopian Airlines further stated that they are confirming details of the passenger manifest and will also establish a passenger information center and telephone number for family or friends of those who may have been on the flight.

“The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express its 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,” read a statement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed posted on Twitter earlier.

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras has since stated that the brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 was delivered to the airline just four months ago.

“This is the second major, fatal accident involving the Boeing 737 MAX in less than five months,” tweeted Mr. Macheras.