**Air India Crash Victim’s Relative Demands Accountability for Tragedy**
In a poignant reflection on the recent Air India Flight AI171 crash, family members of victims continue to express their grief and dissatisfaction with the preliminary investigation report. Ria Patel, the granddaughter of Manju Mahesh Patel, who perished in the incident, articulated that peace remains elusive for her family until there is clarity on the crash’s root causes. The crash, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, tragically claimed the lives of 260 passengers, predominantly from the UK, who were on a flight bound for Gatwick.
The preliminary report raised alarming findings. According to the investigation, the fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was abruptly severed just moments after the aircraft departed. This revelation adds to the urgency for families seeking closure and understanding. Ria Patel noted that while the report gives them some insight into the events leading up to the crash, it merely scratches the surface of the complex issues surrounding the incident. “It brings us a little closer to understanding what happened,” she indicated during a recent interview with BBC’s Newshour, emphasizing her desire for closure.
**Personal Stories Amidst National Tragedy**
The impact of the crash stretches well beyond aviation safety concerns, resonating deeply across families. Manju Mahesh Patel, a 79-year-old embarking on a journey to reconnect with her family in the UK after years apart, was among those lost on that fateful flight. Her granddaughter, overwhelmed with emotion, shared how difficult it is to grapple with the images from the report detailing the devastation, describing her contemplation of what her grandmother’s final moments may have entailed.
Patel had recently been engaged in charity work at a temple in Ahmedabad and was eagerly anticipating being reunited with her four grandchildren in the UK. “This was the chance to reconnect with her after 10 years,” Ria reflected, punctuating the emotional weight of the tragedy with a sense of irretrievable loss.
Investigative details indicate that both fuel control switches had shifted from “run” to “cut-off” in a manner of seconds following take-off. This action is typically reserved for either ground operations or emergencies, leaving unanswered questions for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding possible circumstances leading to such a severe maneuver.
**Calls for Accountability and Transparency**
The families are increasingly vocal in their demands for accountability. Ria Patel maintained, “I cannot be at peace without understanding where the accountability lies.” Similarly, Sameer Rafik, a relative of another victim, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the release of cockpit audio recordings to provide needed context and clarity about the events leading to the crash.
Miten Patel, whose parents were on the flight, further amplified the urgent need for clarity amid the ongoing investigation. “There’s so much anger, frustration,” he expressed, reflecting the mixed emotions of desire for answers and the profound sorrow of losing loved ones.
Dr. Mario Donadi, a friend of another victim, was scathing in his critique of the findings, characterizing the report’s revelations as a “huge slap in the face,” particularly highlighting how critical and trivial oversights could lead to outcomes of monumental tragedy.
**Navigating Grief and Seeking Justice**
The continuing inquiry is set to culminate in a more detailed report within the next year, with the AAIB’s findings expected to shed light on the myriad unanswered questions. As relatives navigate the tumultuous waters of grief, they remain united in their quest for justice, emphasizing the necessity for actions that can extend beyond mere apology to reform and accountability.
Each family member grappling with their loss reiterates a poignant truth; understanding the causes won’t erase the heartache, but they seek acknowledgment and closure to deal with the void left in their lives. As Ria Patel aptly summarized, her grandmother’s absence is deeply felt, and her family grapples with the realization that she would no longer be part of their lives. “She was an amazing woman,” she stated, underscoring the enduring human spirit amidst the quest for resolution after an unimaginable loss.
