Tragic Air India Plane Crash: Death Toll Climbs to 270 – What You Need to Know

A tragic plane crash occurred in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, involving a London-bound flight. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, and sadly, it resulted in the loss of 270 lives, including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members onboard. The only survivor is a 40-year-old British man.

In the aftermath, officials are working to identify the victims, including those on the ground who may have been affected. Vigils to honor the deceased have taken place across India and the UK, reflecting a widespread outpouring of grief.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from teams in the US and UK. A crucial piece of evidence, the black box, was recovered from the crash site. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu noted that this “significantly aids” the inquiry.

The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had been in service for 11 years and had completed 25 flights from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick in the last two years. Tracking data shows that it lost altitude less than a minute after takeoff, ultimately colliding with a building used for housing doctors of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

In response to the tragedy, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleets. This preventive measure underscores the ongoing concerns about aviation safety in India, especially following this devastating incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with injured individuals at the hospital, expressing his condolences and support. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson described his visit to the site as “deeply moving,” highlighting the emotional toll this disaster has had on the community.

This incident comes amidst increasing scrutiny of global aviation safety. According to a recent report from the International Air Transport Association, air travel has become safer in recent decades, with the accident rate falling significantly. However, events like this remind us that challenges remain.

As we continue to learn more about the crash, the focus shifts to supporting the families affected and enhancing safety measures to prevent future tragedies.



Source link