Latest news with #HeerBaxi
Irish Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Air India victims' families not satisfied with ‘vague' initial report
Families of the Air India crash victims have said they are hoping for more answers from investigators after a report found the plane's fuel switches were cut off , deepening the mystery of what happened. The preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, published on Friday, said both of the plane's fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after takeoff, stopping fuel supply to the engines. 'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,' the report reads. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12th, killing 241 people on board. READ MORE Another 19 people died on the ground and 67 were seriously injured. The cousin of sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi – who were flying home to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday, and died in the crash – said he was not satisfied by the report. Ishan Baxi, who lives in Ahmedabad, said: 'We're still hoping for a more transparent and honest investigation that doesn't shy away from addressing possible mechanical flaws or lapses in protocol to avoid future potential accidents. 'I just hope the final report brings full clarity on what exactly failed and who's accountable. It shouldn't hide behind vague terms. 'More than anything, it should push for real changes so this never happens again.' [ Air India crash: 'Focus on jet's fuel switches', ahead of preliminary report Opens in new window ] Relatives of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa, who died in the crash, said in a statement that the report was 'the first stepping stone' and that the family were still 'working our way through the weight of our loss'. 'Moving forwards, we require honesty, transparency and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth,' they said. A lawyer advising some of the families affected by the crash said the findings were deeply concerning. Demetrius Danas, an aviation lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 'We're continuing to speak with and advise families who've been affected by the Air India crash. Understandably, all they want is to be provided with answers.' The preliminary report says all crew members were breathalysed on their arrival at Ahmedabad airport and found to be 'fit to operate the flight'. No significant bird activity was detected near the flight path. The aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall. Investigators have identified 'components of interest for further examinations', the report says. Fuel samples taken from tanks used to refuel the aircraft were 'satisfactory'. An Air India spokesperson said: 'Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully co-operate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and other authorities as their investigation progresses.'
The Guardian
13-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Air India crash victims' families not satisfied with ‘vague' initial report
Families of the Air India crash victims have said they are hoping for more answers from investigators after a report found the plane's fuel switches were cut off, deepening the mystery of what happened. The preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, published on Friday, said both of the plane's fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after takeoff, stopping fuel supply to the engines. 'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,' the report reads. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on 12 June, killing 241 people on board. Another 19 people died on the ground and 67 were seriously injured. The cousin of sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, who were flying home to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday and died in the crash, said he was not satisfied by the report. Ishan Baxi, who lives in Ahmedabad, said: 'We're still hoping for a more transparent and honest investigation that doesn't shy away from addressing possible mechanical flaws or lapses in protocol to avoid future potential accidents. 'I just hope the final report brings full clarity on what exactly failed and who's accountable. It shouldn't hide behind vague terms. 'More than anything, it should push for real changes so this never happens again.' Relatives of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa, who died in the crash, said in a statement that the report was 'the first stepping stone' and that the family were still 'working our way through the weight of our loss'. 'Moving forwards, we require honesty, transparency and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth,' they said. 'We seek justice and answers, both of which are essential for us to find any sense of closure. 'We accept God's fate, but knowing what happened will help ease our hearts and allow us to begin the long journey of healing. 'Above all, we hope that by pursuing the truth, no other family will ever have to endure the shock, uncertainty, and profound sorrow that we have lived through this past month.' A lawyer advising some of the families affected by the crash said the findings were deeply concerning. Demetrius Danas, an aviation lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 'We're continuing to speak with and advise families who've been affected by the Air India crash. 'Understandably, all they want is to be provided with answers.' Fifty-two British nationals were killed, making it one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British fatalities. The preliminary report says all crew members were breathalysed on their arrival at Ahmedabad airport and found to be 'fit to operate the flight'. No significant bird activity was detected near the flight path and the aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall. Investigators have identified 'components of interest for further examinations', the report says. Fuel samples taken from tanks used to refuel the aircraft were 'satisfactory'. The UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said on Sunday that she had confidence in the investigation. 'We stand ready to assist the Indian authorities if they require that from us,' she said. Asked whether she thought Indian authorities were doing a good job getting to the bottom of the causes of the crash, she said: 'On the basis of what I have seen so far, yes, but we do stand ready to provide any assistance. The US National Transportation Safety Board is also involved on an ongoing basis.' An Air India spokesperson said: 'Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and other authorities as their investigation progresses.'
The Guardian
13-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Air India crash victims' families not satisfied with ‘vague' initial report
Families of the Air India crash victims have said they are hoping for more answers from investigators after a report found the plane's fuel switches were cut off, deepening the mystery of what happened. The preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, published on Friday, said both of the plane's fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after takeoff, stopping fuel supply to the engines. 'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,' the report reads. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on 12 June, killing 241 people on board. Another 19 people died on the ground and 67 were seriously injured. The cousin of sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, who were flying home to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday and died in the crash, said he was not satisfied by the report. Ishan Baxi, who lives in Ahmedabad, said: 'We're still hoping for a more transparent and honest investigation that doesn't shy away from addressing possible mechanical flaws or lapses in protocol to avoid future potential accidents. 'I just hope the final report brings full clarity on what exactly failed and who's accountable. It shouldn't hide behind vague terms. 'More than anything, it should push for real changes so this never happens again.' Relatives of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa, who died in the crash, said in a statement that the report was 'the first stepping stone' and that the family were still 'working our way through the weight of our loss'. 'Moving forwards, we require honesty, transparency and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth,' they said. 'We seek justice and answers, both of which are essential for us to find any sense of closure. 'We accept God's fate, but knowing what happened will help ease our hearts and allow us to begin the long journey of healing. 'Above all, we hope that by pursuing the truth, no other family will ever have to endure the shock, uncertainty, and profound sorrow that we have lived through this past month.' A lawyer advising some of the families affected by the crash said the findings were deeply concerning. Demetrius Danas, an aviation lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 'We're continuing to speak with and advise families who've been affected by the Air India crash. 'Understandably, all they want is to be provided with answers.' Fifty-two British nationals were killed, making it one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British fatalities. The preliminary report says all crew members were breathalysed on their arrival at Ahmedabad airport and found to be 'fit to operate the flight'. No significant bird activity was detected near the flight path and the aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall. Investigators have identified 'components of interest for further examinations', the report says. Fuel samples taken from tanks used to refuel the aircraft were 'satisfactory'. The UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said on Sunday that she had confidence in the investigation. 'We stand ready to assist the Indian authorities if they require that from us,' she said. Asked whether she thought Indian authorities were doing a good job getting to the bottom of the causes of the crash, she said: 'On the basis of what I have seen so far, yes, but we do stand ready to provide any assistance. The US National Transportation Safety Board is also involved on an ongoing basis.' An Air India spokesperson said: 'Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and other authorities as their investigation progresses.'
The Independent
13-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Tributes pour in for Britons killed in Air India plane crash
Sisters who travelled to surprise their grandmother and a couple who lost their only son in a previous air tragedy have been named among the British victims in the Air India crash as their families wait for answers on what caused the disaster. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in a fireball on Thursday in what is one of the deadliest plane accidents in terms of the number of British nationals killed. A radiologist from Derby who had a 'newly discovered love of fish and chips' was on the flight with his family, the city's Hindu Temple said. Dr Prateek Joshi, who worked at the Royal Derby Hospital, moved to the UK from India in 2021, a colleague who worked closely with him said. Dr Rajeev Singh said: 'He often entertained colleagues with stories about his passions outside of work, including his newly discovered love of fish and chips and enthusiasm for walking in the Peak District. 'It is hard to accept that a man with such a passion for life, and his beautiful young family, have been taken in this way.' Two sisters in their early 20s on their way home to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday are also said to be among the victims. A cousin who lives in Ahmedabad said fashion designer Dhir and product manager Heer Baxi had an 'amazing aura' and wanted to 'roam the world'. 'They both had aspirations to be successful enough to roam around the world along with the parents,' Ishan Baxi said. Both women knew 'what is right and what is wrong', he added. 'Right now no one is able to come to terms because they both came here just to celebrate grandma's birthday but, see, the tragedy – they came, they celebrated and they both left the world, everything is vanished right in front of our eyes.' A couple who had already lost their only son in a previous aviation tragedy were on the plane, Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, who leads the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, north-west London, said. They were returning from a religious celebration in India. 'This couple had gone to India for a religious celebration – they were coming back and now this has happened,' Mr Guruji, 53, said. 'After what has happened to their son as well – it's just terrible to think about.' A family of three from Gloucester were also on the flight, their family said in statement issued through their imam. Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter, Sara Nanabawa, were 'widely loved and deeply respected'. Ms Vorajee volunteered at a local Islamic school and was also a director for an organisation promoting understanding of the religion, Imam Abdullah Samad said. Mr Nanabawa ran a recruitment firm called Iceberg Recruitment Services which had a branch in Ahmedabad, India, according to the company's website. Imam Abdullah Samad said: 'This young family was incredibly close-knit – devoted parents and their beautiful, young daughter. 'They gave their time and energy to awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts, always guided by a strong sense of responsibility to help others. 'They were widely loved and deeply respected. His quiet generosity, her warmth and kindness, and their daughter's bright, joyful spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who knew them.' Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the plane were killed when it crashed and struck a medical college in Ahmedabad. The British survivor spoke of the horror of watching people 'dying in front of my eyes'. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh told DD News 'I still can't believe how I survived' as he spoke from his hospital bed on Friday. The 40-year-old told the broadcaster the plane felt like it was 'stuck in the air' shortly after take-off before lights began flickering green and white – adding: 'It suddenly slammed into a building and exploded.' The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been in contact with Mr Ramesh to offer consular support, Downing Street said. The crash site was visited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, with video footage showing him talking to Mr Ramesh in hospital. There are fears the number of people killed on the ground could rise. At least five medical students were killed and about 50 injured. Investigations are continuing into the cause of the crash. Aviation experts have speculated about the possible causes of the crash, from both engines failing – possibly due to a bird strike, as happened in the so-called Miracle on the Hudson in 2009 – to the flaps on the aircraft's wings not being set to the correct position for take-off. Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would provide 10 million rupees (around £86,000) to the families of each of those killed in the crash. The company said it would also cover the medical costs of the injured and provide support in the 'building up' of the medical college. Air India has set up friends and relatives assistance centres at Gatwick, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad airports to provide support in the wake of AI171's crash.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Sisters who died in Air India crash wanted to roam the world, cousin says
Sisters from London who died in the Air India plane crash had an 'amazing aura' and wanted to 'roam around the world', their cousin has said. Dhir and Heer Baxi, both in their early 20s, were returning home to the UK on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Thursday when it crashed after surprising their grandmother for her birthday. Speaking to the PA news agency, Ishan Baxi, a cousin who lives in Ahmedabad, said both women knew 'what is right and what is wrong'. Heer worked a product manager and 'loved statistics and finance', while Dhir was a fashion designer who had studied at Parsons Paris art and design school, Mr Baxi said. He said: 'They both had aspirations to be successful enough to roam around the world like tension-free along with the parents, and they had proclivity towards modernisation without changing traditional values. 'Right now no one is able to come (to) terms because they both came here just to celebrate grandma's birthday but, see, the tragedy – they came, they celebrated and they both left the world, everything is vanished right in front of our eyes. 'I am unable to control my tears even now also just because I was close to them, you just imagine what emotions parents are going through right now and think about guilt the grandma would feel right now,' Mr Baxi added. 'I just want God to bless those souls, all dreams, promises, aspirations vanished in seconds.' Mr Baxi said the family are 'not ready to accept' that the women were 'gone' and that their grandmother is 'in shock'. The plane struck a medical college as it crashed in a fireball on Thursday, killing 241 people on board. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who is 40 years old and from the UK, is believed to be the only survivor.
