France court upholds Yemenia Airways 2009 crash verdict

RFI

10 September 2024 at 11:00 am·1-min read

Yemenia Airways was sentenced on appeal in Paris for manslaughter and unintentional injuries, fifteen years after the crash in 2009 of one of its planes off the coast of the Comoros, which caused the death of 152 people.

The Paris Court of Appeal confirmed the judgment of 14 September 2022, which had sanctioned the company with the maximum fine provided for by law at the time, notably 225,000 euros.

The court upheld the involuntary homicide and injuries verdict against Yemenia Airways over the 2009 crash that killed nearly everyone onboard except a 12-year-old girl who miraculously survived.

Comoros crash

Flight Yemenia 626 was on approach to Moroni, the capital of the Comoros islands that lie between Mozambique and Madagascar, on 29 June 2009, after departing from the airport in the Yemeni capital Sanaa.

Among the 142 passengers and 11 crew were 66 French citizens heading to France’s overseas territory of Mayotte, part of the Comoros archipelago.

Just before 11pm, the Airbus A310 plunged into the Indian Ocean with its engines running at full throttle, killing everyone on board except Bahia Bakari, then just 12 years old.

Investigators and experts found there was nothing wrong with the aircraft, blaming instead “inappropriate actions by the crew during the approach to Moroni airport, leading to them losing control.”

Prosecutors accused the company of pilot training programs “riddled with gaps” and of continuing to fly to Moroni at night despite several non-functioning landing lights.

The presiding judge of the appeals court on Tuesday confirmed the 2022 verdict.

(AFP)

Australian Associated Press
Break deadlock to fix housing crisis, politicians urged
A scheme to help Australians buy their first home will be reintroduced to parliament after the opposition and the Greens blocked the bill in the Senate.
Australian Associated Press
First person charged over Nazi salute laws found guilty
A man who did a Nazi salute in front of a Melbourne court has been found guilty of performing the gesture in a Victorian first.
Australian Associated Press
Dutch star Neeskens, former Socceroos coach, dies at 73
Johan Neeskens, a star player for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands in the '70s, and later part of Australia's coaching staff at the 2006 World Cup, has died.
Australian Associated Press
More Australians to touch down after Lebanon evacuation
Hundreds more Australians and their immediate family are expected to land back home as repatriation flights ferry more than 1200 people to safety from Lebanon.
Australian Associated Press
More hotel rooms, chefs needed for tipped tourism boom
An ambitious new tourism target will see NSW look for a $91 billion economy injection from visitors by 2035, but capacity will need to increase to allow that.
Australian Associated Press
At least ten dead in Zambia mine collapse
Police in Zambia say at least 10 people have died in a mine collapse, with no cause yet established.
Australian Associated Press
Kane cleared to line up for England in Nations League
Captain Harry Kane will remain with the England team for their Nations League fixtures after being given the all-clear by Football Association medical staff.
Australian Associated Press
Stirling effort as Ireland beat S Africa in one-dayer
Opening batter Paul Stirling top-scored with 88 to lead Ireland to a 69-run win over a depleted South Africa in the third and final one-day international.
Australian Associated Press
A 'lot of bad genes' among immigrants in the US: Trump
"How about allowing people to come to an open border, 13,000 of which were murderers," Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says of immigrants.
Australian Associated Press
Landslide victory for Tunisia's President Saied
After a campaign that saw some of his opponents jailed, Tunisia's President Kais Saied has won re-election with more than 90 per cent of the vote.
Australian Associated Press
Foreign tensions, domestic impasses await at parliament
As the government looks to resolve a deadlock on housing and push wage increases through parliament, conflict in the Middle East is set to overshadow debate.
Australian Associated Press
Cheika questions if he is welcome in England after ban
Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika remains unhappy at the ban he copped coaching Leicester in the UK and has wondered if he isn't wanted in England.
Australian Associated Press
Thompson out of rain-marred Shanghai Masters
Australia's Jordan Thompson has been knocked out of the Shanghai Masters in an upset straight sets second round loss to Tallon Griekspoor.
Australian Associated Press
England on course for semis after easing past S Africa
England have Australia in their sights after beating South Africa by seven wickets in Sharjah to take charge of Group B in the Women's T20 World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
Failing child support system used as a 'tool of abuse'
Domestic violence campaigners warn child support payments are too low and often don't arrive at all, underscoring a push for system redesign.
Australian Associated Press
Australia urged to see how environment, economy connect
Australia is refusing to see connections between the environment and economy, as a summit explores ways to value nature instead of incentivising destruction.
Australian Associated Press
Report weighs plans to cap foreign uni student numbers
Plans to cap the number of international students in Australia could gain traction from a Senate inquiry report despite objections by universities.
Australian Associated Press
Gobbo laments 'idiot' turn to informer on legal clients
Barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo will be grilled on her decision to become a police source while also acting for gangland clients.
Australian Associated Press
Lions players touring Australia will share in profits
A new profit-sharing agreement will benefit players touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions rugby union team next year.
Australian Associated Press
Pakistan's Masood leads the way with century vs England
Pakistan have scored 4-328 on the opening day of their home Test series against England, with both Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique making centuries.

Comoros crash

Latest stories