New Delhi: At least 65 Indian and British families who lost loved ones in the tragic June 12 Air India crash have hired US-based law firm Beasley Allen to explore potential legal action, possibly in American courts. The firm’s lead aviation attorney, Mike Andrews, visited the crash site in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area and later travelled to Vadodara to meet grieving families.
Demand for Justice and Transparency
Andrews said the bereaved families are desperate for answers about the circumstances surrounding the disaster. Many of those represented are from Gujarat and Diu, including Indian-born British citizens. The lawyer stressed that the families want to know what happened, why it happened, and what legal remedies are available to them.
Potential Boeing Product Liability Case
Andrews indicated that, depending on investigation findings, families might be able to file product liability claims in the US if Boeing is found responsible. He noted that US federal courts offer stronger mechanisms for corporate accountability under product liability laws.
Call for Release of Flight Data
The attorney urged the Indian government to release flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder information promptly to allow independent expert analysis. His team has already inspected the site, photographed the wreckage, and spoken to witnesses, describing the scale of destruction as “enormous.”
Deadly June 12 Crash
Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 on board and 19 people on the ground. The aircraft struck a medical college hostel complex in Meghaninagar, igniting a massive fire that claimed the lives of several medical students.