The death toll from the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has risen to 270, following the recovery of numerous bodies. The investigation is being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with international support, as the nation mourns and seeks answers.
Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll in Air India Plane Crash Reaches 270
Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll in Air India Plane Crash Reaches 270
Vigils are held in memory of victims as investigators probe the causes of the catastrophic crash in Ahmedabad.
The aviation disaster in Ahmedabad has escalated to a grave toll, with local medical officials reporting that 270 bodies have been recovered since the tragic event on Thursday. The flight, Air India Flight AI171, which was bound for London, went down mere moments after takeoff, claiming nearly all on board, except for a lone survivor, a 40-year-old British man. The crash also has raised concerns about casualties on the ground, prompting ongoing efforts to confirm identities through DNA analysis.
In the wake of this horrific event, vigils and memorials have emerged throughout India and the UK, honoring those who lost their lives. The inquiry into the crash is being spearheaded by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from both US and UK investigation teams. Friday marked a significant development as the black box was located, providing hope for uncovering the factors leading to the disaster.
Just before the crash, approximately 60 seconds post-takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft descended unexpectedly, hitting a residential building designated for medical staff associated with the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital. As confirmed by Dr. Dhaval Gameti, president of the Junior Doctors' Association, of the 270 victims reported, 241 are believed to be passengers and crew members of the ill-fated Flight AI171.
Notably, this Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 has had a history of 25 successful flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick over the last two years, raising questions about its operational history. As a precautionary response to the incident, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instituted additional safety inspections on Air India's fleet of 787 aircraft.
In a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site to reflect on the tragedy, and he also spent time with the sole survivor in the hospital. Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson also expressed his condolences at the site, referring to the experience as "deeply moving."
As the community grapples with the extent of this tragedy, numerous inquiries and investigations are aimed at uncovering the causes and hopefully preventing future accidents in the aviation sector.
