Families of victims from the Boeing 737 Max crashes are urging US authorities to impose a fine of $24.8 billion on the aviation giant and pursue criminal charges against its executives.
This call to action comes after Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged significant safety issues within the company, despite assuring a congressional committee of ongoing improvements.
During a congressional hearing, relatives of those who died in the 2018 and 2019 Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes attended, displaying photos of their loved ones.
The families’ attorney, Paul Cassell, sent a letter to the US Department of Justice, emphasizing that Boeing’s actions resulted in the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history, justifying the maximum fine of over $24 billion.
The letter outlines that Boeing should be fined the maximum of around $24.8 billion, with $14 to $22 billion of the fine allocated towards appointing an independent company monitor and implementing safety program improvements.
Moreover, the letter insists that Boeing’s board of directors should meet with the families to address their concerns directly.
The families also believe that the government should immediately initiate criminal prosecutions against the Boeing executives responsible at the time of the accidents.
This case revolves around two tragic incidents in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which resulted in the deaths of 346 people.
The demand for stringent action against Boeing comes as the company faces intense scrutiny due to ongoing manufacturing and safety issues.
The families’ call for justice underscores the severe impact of Boeing’s safety lapses and highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in the aviation industry.
