Family believed to have been killed in Nigerian plane crash

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A West Hartford woman and her children were believed to be among those killed in a plane crash in Nigeria.

As day slowly surrendered into Monday night there was still light to be found in front of the West Hartford home of Maimuna Anyene.

"I just can't believe it," said John Ohayon, neighbor. "I can not believe it. The whole entire family."

Neighbors describe Anyene and her four young children as bright and radiant, so it seemed appropriate to light candles in their honor, as it is presumed the entire family was killed in a tragic plane crash in Lagos, Nigeria.

The family of six was in Nigeria to attend Anyene's brother's wedding. The Dana Air Flight slammed into a building near Lagos International Airport, in a densely-populated neighborhood, killing more than 150 people.

It's the worst air disaster in Nigeria in 20 years.

Neighbors shared memories of the family.

"We would see her aunt, walking up the street, with the two little twin girls, their braids and pink dresses, running up the street, and the aunt having the eight-month-old strapped to her back," said Lisa Ohayon.

The impact the young family had on their neighbors was evident by the people standing in the rain, staring, reflecting in the flickering light.

So much lost and so much to be remembered.

"Every time they were outside, you couldn't help it. They were like magnets, they were so fun to watch, those kids," Ohayon said. "The entire family got wiped out."

Anyene was an employee at United Technologies.

The company released a statement Monday saying, "Maimuna Anyene was an invaluable part of the United Technologies team for more than four years. We are saddened by the loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends around the world. She will be deeply missed by all, including her colleagues at UTC."