The families of victims from two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are pressing the US Department of Justice to impose a fine of up to $24 billion on the aviation giant and proceed with criminal prosecution. This request comes as the families seek justice and accountability for the tragic incidents that claimed the lives of 346 people. The crashes in question occurred in 2018 and 2019, involving Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines. The first crash happened when a Lion Air flight plunged into the Java Sea, and the second occurred when an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed into a field shortly after takeoff. In both cases, the aircraft were relatively new and had recently been delivered to the airlines.
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The families of the victims have been advocating for justice and accountability from Boeing for several years. They argue that the company should be held responsible for the alleged flaws in the design and certification of the 737 MAX aircraft. The families are also seeking compensation for the loss of their loved ones and the emotional trauma they have endured. The request for a $24 billion fine is based on the belief that Boeing's actions constitute the "deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history." The families' attorney, Paul Cassell, stated in a letter to the Justice Department that a maximum fine of more than $24 billion is legally justified and clearly appropriate.
The families are also urging the Justice Department to prosecute Boeing officials who were leading the company at the time of the crashes, including former CEO Dennis Muilenburg. They believe that these individuals should be held accountable for their alleged role in the incidents. The push for a $24 billion fine and criminal prosecution comes at a time when Boeing is facing increased scrutiny and several federal investigations. The company has been working to address safety and quality issues in its aircraft manufacturing work, but the families of the victims believe that more needs to be done to ensure justice is served.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun recently acknowledged the gravity of the company's safety problems and assured a U.S. congressional panel that Boeing was making progress on the issue. However, the families of the victims remain skeptical and are pressing for a more robust response from the company and the authorities. The families' request for a $24 billion fine and criminal prosecution is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. It remains to be seen how the Justice Department will respond to the request and whether Boeing will face further legal action in relation to the incidents. As the families continue to seek justice and accountability, the aviation industry will be closely watching the outcome of this case. The Boeing 737 MAX crashes have already had a profound impact on the industry, leading to changes in aircraft design and certification processes. The families' request for a $24 billion fine and criminal prosecution could have far-reaching implications for Boeing and the aviation industry as a whole.