Mike Andrews, the lead US attorney representing over 65 families impacted by the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, has called for complete transparency in the ongoing investigation, stressing that the victims’ families deserve clear answers.
“We want to know the truth, we want transparency and exactly what happened,” Andrews told ANI. “These families want to know, and they deserve the respect to know what happened to their loved ones.”
Andrews, who met a survivor and his family, described them as “humble and hardworking” and revealed that his team is exploring multiple theories behind the throttle control malfunction, including the possibility of moisture affecting the system.
Criticising delays in compensation, he suggested that such bureaucratic hurdles would not have existed under former Tata Group Chairperson Ratan Tata. “Even in the US, we know who Ratan Tata was… If he were here today, we don’t believe victims and their families would be subjected to such delays,” Andrews said.
On July 26, Air India disbursed ₹25 lakh in interim compensation to the families of 147 of the 229 passengers and 19 people killed on the ground, with final compensation to follow. The Tata Group has also set up ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust,’ pledging ₹1 crore for each victim, funding hostel reconstruction at BJ Medical College, and assisting first responders and support workers.
The June 12 crash of the Boeing 787-8 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, including 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground.