India has reportedly turned down a request from the United Nations’ aviation body to participate in the investigation into the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, which claimed the lives of over 270 people.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reportedly applied for observer status earlier this week for one of its experts who is currently in India. Indian authorities, however, have turned down the request, essentially excluding the UN body from any official participation in the current investigation. In the past, the ICAO has assisted with high-profile investigations, including the 2020 crash of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran and the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine in 2014. In both instances, the concerned countries formally invited ICAO to get involved.
According to reports, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar Gomez argued in a letter that the inclusion of an ICAO observer would help ensure the investigation adheres to global standards and best practices, citing the tragedy's scope and the presence of international passengers on board. Additionally, he pointed out that such outside supervision might improve the findings' credibility and transparency.
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner headed for London crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12 at around 2:00 p.m. local time. The plane crashed in a residential neighbourhood, hitting student housing close to Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College. The catastrophe is especially noteworthy because it is the first Boeing 787 crash in history.
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