Ontario Man Settles with Boeing After Ethiopian Airlines Crash

An Ontario resident has reached a settlement with Boeing nearly seven years following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of six family members. This legal resolution comes just days after trial proceedings were initiated in Chicago related to the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 disaster.

The Crash: A Heartbreaking Loss

The Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed moments after takeoff from Addis Ababa in March 2019, resulting in the deaths of all 157 individuals onboard, including 18 Canadians. Among the victims was Manant Vaidya, who tragically lost his father, Pannagesh (73), mother, Hansini (67), sister, Kosha (37), brother-in-law, Prerit Dixit (45), and two teenage nieces, Ashka (14) and Anushka (13). The family was on a trip to visit their mother’s birthplace and connect with their grandparents’ friends in Kenya.

Vaidya’s lawyers from Clifford Law Offices highlighted, “Boeing accepted full responsibility for the senseless and preventable loss of these innocent lives.”

The Settlement: Accountability and Responsibility

Details regarding the terms of the settlement remain confidential. A spokesperson from Boeing expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life associated with Flight 302, noting that the company has accepted legal responsibility for the incident. Boeing emphasized its commitment to “fully and fairly” compensate the families affected while acknowledging that many families opt to pursue claims through court.

Grieving Families: Continuing Legal Proceedings

Vaidya’s case is among several settlements surrounding the Ethiopian Airlines crash. Another Canadian, Paul Njoroge, reached a similar settlement with Boeing last year after losing his wife and three children in the same incident. In 2021, Boeing accepted accountability and offered families the opportunity to pursue claims in U.S. courts.

Investigative Findings: Technical Failures

Investigations into the crash revealed that the incident was triggered by a faulty sensor that led to an automated system pushing the plane’s nose downward, making it impossible for the pilots to regain control. Following the crash, the Boeing 737 Max jets were grounded globally until necessary redesigns were completed.

Continued Commitment from Boeing

Recently, Boeing reached an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to prevent criminal charges related to both the Ethiopian crash and a preceding incident. The company has made efforts to resolve numerous claims placed by families of the victims.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

While the settlement provides some level of closure for Vaidya and his family, the grief of losing loved ones in such a tragic event remains profound. As legal processes continue, families are reminded of the vital role that accountability plays in aviation safety.

For more details on the Ethiopian Airlines crash and Boeing’s response, visit CBC News.