Air India Plane Crash: Death Toll Reaches 270, Community Mourns

In a heartbreaking update, Indian authorities have confirmed that 270 bodies have been retrieved from the site of the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred shortly after take-off on Thursday, claiming nearly all lives aboard.

Doctors in India report that the death toll from the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad has tragically climbed to 270, following the recovery of numerous bodies from the crash site. The ill-fated aircraft, on its way to London, went down in a residential area, leaving only one survivor, a 40-year-old British man. Efforts are underway to determine the number of casualties among residents at the crash site, as officials work to match DNA samples for identification.

In memory of the victims, vigils have been held across India and the United Kingdom. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is spearheading the investigation into the causes of the incident, with collaboration from teams in both the United States and the UK. Key evidence to aid the investigation, including the black box, was recovered from the wreckage, according to India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

Reports indicate that moments after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft lost altitude and collided with a building intended for doctor accommodations at BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital. The hospital confirmed that 270 deceased individuals have been received, with 241 identified as passengers and crew from Flight AI171.

Data from the tracking website Flightradar24 suggests that the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 was 11 years old and had made 25 flights from Ahmedabad to London in the last two years. In light of this tragedy, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated additional safety inspections on all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft operated by Air India as a precautionary measure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with survivors, pledging support and prayers for their recovery. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson also expressed his condolences and solidarity during his visit to the crash location, highlighting the emotional weight of the event on the community.