On Friday, investigators probed the site of one of India’s tragic aviation accidents, where an Air India flight plummeted, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard and several others on the ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the lone survivor, who is recovering from injuries sustained during the disaster.
Given the severity of the incident, DNA tests are underway to identify the victims, whose remains were mostly burned beyond recognition. As efforts continue at the crash site, authorities are concerned that more fatalities may be uncovered. Notably, the airplane collided with a building housing a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, leading to multiple casualties among students.
Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling it a “heartbreaking tragedy” and acknowledged the significant loss that families will endure for years. His remarks followed a visit to the crash site, where he met with first responders and officials.
Separately, a bomb threat was reported concerning another Air India flight, AI 379, which had taken off from Phuket, Thailand, bound for New Delhi. Immediate actions were taken, resulting in the safe evacuation of all 156 passengers, but the investigation’s findings remain pending.
The sole survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, described his harrowing experience, recalling how the plane struggled for altitude shortly after takeoff before it crashed. He managed to escape through a broken door amidst the wreckage, showing his disbelief at being alive.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, assisted by international entities including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Medics are working diligently to identify the deceased, with several families already receiving the remains of their loved ones. Among the dead were four medical students who perished when the plane struck the building.
Modi held meetings with senior officials and visited injured individuals at a local hospital, where at least 30 victims remain under care. Four of these individuals are reported to be in critical condition.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787, which typically has an excellent safety record, with this being the first fatal crash in its 16-year operational history. Air India, having been privatised in 2022, has made significant upgrades since its acquisition by Tata Sons, including a substantial order for new planes.
Eyewitness accounts of the crash site reveal a scene of devastation, with residents initially unclear about the unfolding events due to the immense smoke and chaos. Many locals rushed to help, displaying remarkable bravery in the face of such tragedy. The emotional toll of the disaster is evident, with local residents struggling to come to terms with the horrific accident.