The bereaved parents of Roger David Christian, a victim of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad, have called for a full and transparent investigation into the tragedy that claimed 241 lives, including their son and daughter-in-law, Rachna Roger Christian.
Speaking to media, Roger’s father David Christian emotionally recounted the last conversation he had with his son minutes before the doomed flight took off.
“He told me they were seated and would be taking off in 15 minutes. Later, my nephew told me that the plane had crashed. I turned on the TV and realised it was their flight. By evening, we got confirmation that they didn’t survive.”
David Christian appealed to the authorities for strict action against anyone responsible for the crash.
“We urge the administration to investigate thoroughly. We have lost our son and daughter-in-law. This pain should not befall any other family. Whoever is guilty must face punishment so this never happens again,” he said.
Roger and Rachna had come to Ahmedabad for a short five-day visit to their family in the Chandkheda area. The couple was flying back to London, where they lived, when the aircraft — a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — crashed into a doctors’ hostel near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff.
His mother, Sarla Christian, wept as she spoke of the couple’s plans to show them Europe.
“He was quiet, but loving. They wanted to take us to London, Switzerland, Scotland, and Finland. Roger promised to take his father to Finland because Rachna’s brother is in Estonia. But this tragedy ended all that.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since ordered enhanced safety inspections on all Air India Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, especially those with Genx engines. Additional maintenance measures are being enforced immediately across Air India’s fleet in coordination with regional DGCA offices.
Of the 242 passengers and crew on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Only one passenger survived — identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin — who is currently under medical treatment.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal inquiry. The aircraft’s black box (DFDR) has been recovered and will provide crucial data in determining the cause of the disaster.
Meanwhile, families of the deceased have begun DNA identification procedures in Ahmedabad. Relatives, including Roger Christian’s family, have given samples to help confirm the identities of the victims.