Tragic Air India Crash Claims 270 Lives: Government Forms Committee to Investigate
Overview of the Air India Plane Tragedy
Ahmedabad: The tragic incident involving an Air India flight has resulted in a death toll of 270, as confirmed by medical personnel at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where the bodies have been transported from the crash site.
In the past 24 hours, officials from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Service (AFES) have recovered additional remains from the wreckage.
Initially, the death count was reported at 265.
In response to the disaster, the government has established a high-level committee led by the Union Home Secretary to investigate the crash's causes and to propose measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Air India flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI 171), was en route to London with 242 individuals on board when it crashed into a medical hostel and its canteen shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti, President of the Junior Doctors Association at BJ Medical College, stated, "Approximately 270 bodies have been received at the civil hospital from the crash site."
Currently, efforts are underway to identify the victims through DNA matching, and the bodies will be returned to their families once this process is finalized.
Jayesh Khadia, Additional Chief Fire Officer, reported that forensic teams discovered human remains among the debris of the canteen on Friday, with a body found the following morning.
In addition to local and state agencies, a team from the National Security Guard (NSG) has been deployed to assist in relief efforts, although they do not have investigative authority.
NSG commandos were observed at the crash site, particularly near the hostel building where the aircraft's tail became lodged.
Investigations are being conducted by various agencies, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and local law enforcement.
Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also visited the site on Friday.
The civil aviation ministry announced the formation of the multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the crash, clarifying that it will not replace ongoing inquiries by other relevant organizations.
The committee aims to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent and manage similar incidents in the future, with a report expected within three months.
Fire brigade officials noted that cranes are being utilized to remove the aircraft's tail fin, which is stuck atop the damaged canteen building.
"We will commence the removal of the tail fin once Air India representatives arrive at the site," Khadia added.
Following the crash, police officials reported that at least 265 individuals lost their lives, including passengers and victims on the ground.
Out of the 242 individuals on board, 241 perished, while one passenger survived the incident.
Meanwhile, student hostels affected by the crash are being evacuated for an investigation by the AAIB, with alternative accommodations arranged for the affected postgraduate students, according to Minakshi Parikh, Dean of BJ Medical College.