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Key Points

Hir Prajapati, son of AI-171 crash victim Kalpana Ben, has filed a lawsuit against Boeing in US court for faster justice. He hired US lawyer Mike Andrews and awaits black-box data to proceed legally. Prajapati expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their support after the tragedy. Families of victims held a candle march marking two months since the crash.

Key Points: AI-171 Crash Victim's Son Hir Prajapati Sues Boeing in US Court

  • Hir Prajapati hires US lawyer Mike Andrews for Boeing lawsuit
  • Seeks black-box data for further legal action
  • Thanks Indian govt and doctors for support
  • Families hold candle march for AI-171 crash victims
2 min read

Gujarat: Son of AI-171 plane crash victim moves US Federal Court against Boeing

Hir Prajapati seeks justice for mother Kalpana Ben’s death in AI-171 crash, files lawsuit in US Federal Court against Boeing for quicker resolution.

"We are fighting the case in the US so that a decision is pronounced early. – Hir Prajapati"

Ahmedabad, August 13

Hir Prajapati, who lost his mother, Kalpana Ben Prajapati, in the AI-171 plane crash, has moved to the US Federal Court against Boeing, expecting speedy justice.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Prajapati said that they have hired lawyer Mike Andrews to represent them.

He said, "We have hired Mike Andrews. We expect the raw details of information from the black-box to come before us at the earliest so that we can make further decisions regarding the next course of steps, along with our lawyer. In India, trials get dragged out for years. We are fighting the case in the US so that a decision is pronounced early."

Hir Prajapati expressed gratitude towards the Indian government, police and doctors for helping the family.

"We believe we will get justice...When the incident happened, the government helped us a lot. The police also helped us. We are thankful to the doctors too, who handed over the bodies to us after a swift DNA test," he said.

He added that he had initially scheduled a flight for June 11 for her mother but changed it to June 12 at her request.

"My mother, Kalpana Ben Prajapati, died in the accident...I had initially booked a June 9 flight for her, but she had a fast and she told me that she cannot travel that day. So, I then rescheduled it to June 11. But she told me that she doesn't want to travel on an odd date. So, I finally booked a ticket for June 12," Prajapati said.

Following a candle march by the families of the victims of the crash, Mike Andrews, lead lawyer, representing over 65 victim families, said that the families are searching for answers.

Andrews told ANI, "Today marks the two-month anniversary of this tragedy. It has been a very difficult day for everyone involved. The families organised a candlelight vigil to stand in remembrance. We are thankful and grateful to have been invited to come and attend...There are no words to think of the destruction...The families are back now, searching for answers."

On June 12, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed soon after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The emotional trauma this family must be going through... Can't even imagine. The detail about rescheduling flights due to religious fast and odd dates shows how Indian families respect traditions. 🙏
A
Aman W
While I support seeking justice, I hope our government also takes strong action. We can't let foreign companies compromise on safety standards when operating in India. Jai Hind!
P
Priyanka N
The candle march photo brought tears to my eyes. So many lives lost... Boeing should pay heavy compensation to all affected families. Our prayers are with them all.
K
Karan T
Respectfully, while US courts may be faster, we should also strengthen our own systems. Why can't we have special fast-track courts for aviation disasters? This dependence on foreign judiciary isn't ideal long-term.
M
Madhuri G
The details about the flight changes are haunting. Life can change in an instant. May Kalpana Ben's soul rest in peace. Om Shanti 🪔

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