Death Toll Climbs as Recovery Teams Uncover More Victims of Air India Plane Crash

AHMEDABAD DISTRICT, Gujarat — Rescue efforts continue following one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters, as search teams comb through the wreckage of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787 was en route to London when it struck a medical college hostel in a residential area of Ahmedabad on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 270 individuals.

Of those on board, 241 died in the crash, along with 29 casualties reported on the ground. Remarkably, one passenger survived and remains hospitalized. Dr. Dhaval Gameti at the Civil Hospital confirmed the facility is handling 270 bodies, with many being unrecognizable due to the fire.

Amid growing frustration from grieving families over the identification process, authorities are expediting DNA matching, typically a 72-hour task. Relatives have expressed deep concern about the delays, urging officials for updates on their loved ones’ recoveries.

In the search for answers, the Indian government has established a high-level committee to investigate the crash. This team aims to delineate future emergency procedures and will complement ongoing inquiries by relevant organizations.

Indian Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced inspections of Air India’s fleet of Boeing 787s are underway, with eight of the 34 aircraft already examined. He emphasized the government’s commitment to follow through with the investigation, which includes reviewing the findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

On Friday, investigators retrieved the plane’s black box, which is expected to shed light on the crash’s circumstances. This device will provide critical flight data and cockpit conversations, assisting in pinpointing potential factors, such as engine performance and control settings.

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti highlighted that investigators might glean vital information swiftly if the data is intact. Questions surrounding the operational status of wing flaps, engine power, and the logging of environmental conditions are already under scrutiny.

The incident marks a significant tragedy for the Boeing 787, which has a strong safety record despite a history of issues in other aircraft models. This crash represents the first fatal incident in its 16 years of service, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in aviation.

As the investigation unfolds, the families affected by this calamity seek closure and answers. The community rallies support, grappling with the loss of life as both officials and aviation experts strive to prevent such disasters in the future.