Air India Captain Issues Mayday Call Just Before Crash: Authorities Reveal Alarming Details

“Mayday, mayday,” were the last haunting words from the pilot of Air India Flight 171 before it tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming more than 270 lives.

On Thursday, at 1:39 PM, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal sent a distress signal less than a minute into the flight from Ahmedabad to London. Unfortunately, when air traffic control responded, there was silence. Minutes later, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted to the ground just 2 km from Ahmedabad airport, hitting a hostel that housed medical students and their families.

This disaster is one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory. The plane, which weighed 227 tons, not only resulted in the heartbreaking loss of almost everyone aboard but also took the lives of at least four medical students and a pregnant woman living nearby.

Investigators are currently working to understand the cause of the crash. Samir Kumar Sinha, from India’s aviation ministry, confirmed that every theory about the incident will be explored. The crucial flight data recorder, or black box, has been recovered and is undergoing analysis. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu mentioned that this investigation should provide clarity on the sequence of events that led to this disaster.

Now, over 72 hours after the crash, the recovery process has been painfully slow. Eyewitness accounts and the experiences of families add a human face to this tragedy. Anil Patel, who lost his son Harshit and daughter-in-law Pooja, expressed his frustration about the slow identification process. He shared, “I smell the stench of charred bodies, and it’s hard to accept that my son is also lying there.”

As of Saturday morning, 11 DNA matches had been made, and only three bodies had been returned to families. Identifying the victims is complex, as many bodies were severely impacted by the crash. The process involves matching DNA samples, which has become a monumental task given the scale of the tragedy.

Families of the victims are grappling with their grief amidst additional complications, such as delays in communication from authorities. The Syed family, comprising British citizens Javed Ali and Mariam, along with their two young children, lost their lives in the crash. Their relatives have been desperately seeking information but have faced roadblocks due to bureaucracy.

Social media has reflected the growing anger and despair of families waiting for news. Many are vocal about their experiences, calling for better systems to ensure timely communication during such tragedies.

Experts in crisis response emphasize the need for more streamlined processes, especially in identifying victims. Dr. Amanda Boulton, an aviation safety expert, noted that emotional support for families is crucial during these harrowing times. She emphasized, “In times of tragedy, clear communication can make a world of difference.”

As investigations continue, we remember those lost and the families left to mourn their absence. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is recovering in Ahmedabad’s hospital, a reminder of the fragility of life. His journey will serve as an inspiration for many, as he navigates the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.



Source link