Was the Air India crash really a deliberate act by a suicidal pilot? CHRISTOPHER STEVENS examines all the unanswered questions still surrounding the disaster... and uncovers a troubling new theory
In the absence of hard facts, the world remains captivated by one question: what caused Air India Flight 171 to explode into a fireball shortly after taking off from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on June 12?
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Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Second victim of Southend Airport plane crash is named as 'fantastic' German paramedic father as probe into tragedy continues
The second victim of the Southend Airport plane crash tragedy has been revealed to be a 'fantastic' German paramedic and father. Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, from Kleinmaischeid in west Germany, worked as a paramedic and was also employed as a doctor aboard international flights transporting patients, German media reports. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, according to a document which lists passengers. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Earlier it was revealed that nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen born in Chile, was also killed in the crash during her first day on the job. It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. The German Red Cross said in a statement: 'We are deeply shocked and infinitely saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed emergency paramedic Matthias Eyl, who died in a plane crash yesterday at the age of just 46 years old. 'Matthias has been in service with us over many years: as a doctor, comrade and friend. With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday 'He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged [...] when it came down to it. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable. 'We lose not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person. Our thoughts are with his family and all those close to him. 'Take care, Matthias. We will never forget you!' Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: 'It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1. 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 'Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected.' The plane, which is often used for mapping and for medivac journeys, had completed two trips that day, one from Athens in Greece to Pula in Croatia and then from Pula to Southend, landing in the UK at 2.51pm. An hour later it took off again, with witnesses describing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Ms Ortiz, 31. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family. The firm both medical staff worked for, Globalmed, said in a statement: 'It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of two of our dear medical colleagues and friends. Their passing away has left a deep void in our teams and in our hearts. 'They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them. Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them. 'We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace. 'We are in frequent contact with the relatives and offer our help where possible. 'As a medical company without aircraft, we are not involved in investigations by the UK authorities concerning flight SUZ1. They will only inform the the airplane operator, and not us.' In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands. 'Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. 'Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died. 'We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.' The airport will stay closed until further notice. Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: 'Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.' Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said 'it is too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash. In a message on X the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.' John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'. Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, 'we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us'. He added: 'It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. 'There was a big fireball. I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them.'
The Independent
9 hours ago
- The Independent
World's oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, dies at 114 after being hit by a car
Fauja Singh, an Indian-born runner nicknamed the Turbaned Torpedo who was believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died after being hit by a car. He was 114. Local media in India reported that Singh sustained severe head injuries in a hit-and-run accident on Monday while he was crossing the road at his native village near Jalandhar in Punjab. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death. India's Prime minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, saying he was 'extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.' Singh became the oldest man to run a full marathon in 2011 at the age of 100 in Toronto. His accomplishment was not recognized by Guinness World Records because he did not have a birth certificate to prove his age. Singh had a British passport that showed his date of birth as April 1, 1911, while a letter from Indian government officials stated that birth records were not kept in 1911. A torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh took up running at the age of 89 as a way to get over depression after his wife and son died in quick succession in India. The death in 1994 of his son took a particularly hard toll on him because of its grisly nature. Singh and his son, Kuldip, both farmers, were checking on their fields in the middle of a storm when a piece of corrugated metal blown by the wind decapitated Kuldip in front of his father's eyes. Singh, whose five other children had emigrated, was left all alone. 'He didn't think his life was worth living without his son' following the traumatic incident, his coach Harmander Singh said. He went to live with his youngest son in London. That's where sports enthusiast Singh attended tournaments organized by the Sikh community and took part in sprints. He met some Sikh marathon runners who encouraged him to take up long-distance running. One day he saw a marathon on television for the first time and decided that's what he wanted to do. At the age of 89 in 2000 he ran the London Marathon, his first, and went on to do eight more. His best time was 5 hours and 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Marathon. 'From a tragedy has come a lot of success and happiness,' Singh said. Singh ran his last competitive race in 2013 at the age of 101, finishing the Hong Kong Marathon's 10-kilometer (6.25-mile) race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds. Following his retirement from racing, he said he hoped 'people will remember me and not forget me.' He also wanted people to continue to invite him to events 'rather than forget me altogether just because I don't run anymore.' 'He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination,' Modi said. 'Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.' ___
The Independent
11 hours ago
- The Independent
Chinese passenger plane narrowly avoids mid-air collision with cargo jet over Siberia
Two Chinese aircraft allegedly came within seconds of colliding over Russian airspace earlier this month after an unauthorised altitude change by an Air China passenger jet led to the dangerous convergence with a cargo plane. Air China Flight CA967, en route from Shanghai to Milan, abruptly climbed from 34,100 to 36,000ft without instruction from Russian air traffic control on 6 July, reported the South China Morning Post. The manoeuvre brought it within roughly 300 to 400ft (90–120m) of SF Airlines Flight CSS128, a Boeing 767 cargo jet flying from Budapest to Ezhou in central China. International aviation safety protocols require a minimum vertical separation of 1,000ft between aircraft at cruising altitude. The near miss occurred above Tuva, a remote mountainous region in southern Siberia bordering Mongolia, and was captured on live tracking data from Flightradar24. The unauthorised ascent triggered onboard alarms known as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) in both aircraft, prompting emergency evasive action. Audio recordings circulating on Chinese social media since the weekend suggest the Russian controller was simultaneously handling four aircraft and may have issued unclear instructions. The source of the leaked recordings remains unknown and their authenticity could not be independently verified. Air China, SF Airlines and China's civil aviation authority have not issued public comments. The Independent has written to them for comments. In the English-language communication, the controller is heard asking: 'Are you climbing with instruction or without instruction? Confirm, please.' The Air China pilot replies: 'No. Thank you.' It remains unclear why the Air China crew altered altitude but miscommunication of command directed at another aircraft is being considered as a possible reason, reported Belgium outlet The pilot's full response was inaudible due to overlapping radio transmissions. After switching to a private frequency, the two Chinese pilots conversed in Mandarin. The SF Airlines captain expressed concern over the climb, calling it 'very inappropriate' and questioned whether the move had been cleared. The Air China pilot attributed the confusion to a Russian controller who he claimed had made 'a fuss', leaving the crew 'confused.' He admitted they would need to file an official report.
