Search and recovery operations continue at the site of one of India’s most devastating aviation tragedies, where an Air India flight tragically plummeted in Gujarat, resulting in at least 270 fatalities. Recovery teams, working diligently into the night, discovered at least 25 additional bodies amidst the wreckage by Friday.
Dr. Dhaval Gameti from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital confirmed that the facility had received 270 deceased individuals, with the only survivor being treated for injuries and expected to be discharged soon. The gruesome condition of many bodies, often charred or mutilated, necessitated DNA testing; relatives have been contributing samples to aid in identification. Understandably, frustration is growing amongst families who are awaiting news of their loved ones, with some questioning the lengthy process of DNA matching, which authorities state typically takes up to 72 hours but are striving to expedite.
The Indian government has established a high-level, multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the causes of the crash further. This committee aims to develop processes for preventing future aviation emergencies, complementing ongoing investigations by relevant agencies.
Authorities are also focused on retrieving critical data from the aircraft’s black boxes, which should disclose vital information regarding engine operations and cockpit conversations. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti indicated that investigators may answer key questions regarding the crash soon, provided the flight data recorder is operable.
Key areas under scrutiny include whether the wing flaps were set correctly prior to takeoff, potential engine failures, the functionality of cockpit alarms, and whether crew members accurately recorded crucial data regarding flight conditions and payload. Notably, the ill-fated aircraft was a 12-year-old Boeing 787, a model that has otherwise maintained a safe operational record, marking this as the first fatal incident in its 16 years of service.
As authorities continue to sift through the wreckage and answer pressing questions raised by bereaved families, the emotional toll of this calamity weighs heavy on the community. While the search efforts persist, the focus remains on understanding the unfortunate events that led to this catastrophic loss of life.