Investigation Underway Following Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad
Recovery of the Black Box
The black box from the Air India aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad was retrieved on Friday from the rooftop of a hostel building it struck, as reported by local sources.
Investigation Initiated
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has commenced an inquiry into the incident. A team from the National Investigation Agency, along with officials from various central agencies, visited the crash site on the same day.
Details of the Crash
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was headed to London’s Gatwick airport from Ahmedabad, tragically crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 241 lives on board. This incident is being regarded as one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in the last decade.
Casualties on the Ground
The aircraft collided with the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghani Nagar area, leading to the deaths of at least four medical students on the ground. The total number of casualties remains uncertain.
Further Updates
The black box was located on the BJ Medical College rooftop, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Over 40 state government personnel have joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the recovery efforts. The black box records crucial flight data that may help determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities have begun the process of identifying the deceased, with six bodies already returned to their families. Police are collecting DNA samples from relatives to assist in identifying those who were severely burned.
While the exact number of fatalities on the ground is still being assessed, reports indicate that 265 bodies have been sent for post-mortem. Initial reports suggest that at least 24 individuals, including the four medical students, lost their lives, while other sources indicate the number could be as high as 28.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the final death toll will be confirmed once all bodies are identified, noting that the recovery process is nearing completion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday, meeting with survivors and the injured. He expressed the nation's prayers for their swift recovery and held discussions with airport officials.