Thu, Jun 14, 2007
African Carrier Is On EU Blacklist
Paramount Airlines has operated safely in Sierra Leone for more
than five years -- but the government of the West African
country is determined to prosecute the carrier following a
helicopter crash earlier this month, killing a 20-member Togolese
sports delegation and the two Russian pilots.
Fredrick Carew, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of
Sierra Leone told reporters Monday that "the proprietors and
management of Paramount Airlines, owners of the killer helicopter
that crashed beyond recognition at the Lungi International Airport
resulting in the death of Togolese nationals and two Russians, may
be charged to court for negligence".
As ANN reported, the
Russian-made Mi-8 helicopter was taking the group of soccer fans
from the small West African country of Togo -- as well as the
Togolese Minister for Youth and Sports Richard Attipoe -- to the
Lungi International Airport when it went down in the country's
capital, Freetown.
Sierra Leone President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah grounded all
commercial helicopters in response and suspended the country's
transport minister after the accident. The Mi-8 reportedly caught
fire while descending to land.
"Even when it is proven that the helicopter has an insurance
cover and has gone through mandatory tests, if a case of negligence
is suspected, then the Law Office will take action by charging the
management of the helicopter company to court.
"Again, where it is proven that the accident could have been
avoided if the management had taken precautionary action, then the
Law Office will take action by charging the management of the
helicopter company to court," Carew said.
According to the BBC, the accident helicopter had been grounded
previously after it failed safety checks. Paramount Airlines is on
the list of African airlines banned from operating within the
European Union due to safety concerns.
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