The death toll from Thursday’s tragic crash of an Air India flight has climbed to at least 270, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s history. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area of Ahmedabad just minutes after takeoff, killing 241 people onboard and 29 on the ground.
Rescue and recovery teams continued their search for remains for a third consecutive day on Saturday, combing through the wreckage of the aircraft and the hostel building at B.J. Medical College that bore the brunt of the impact.
Only one person out of the 242 passengers and crew survived. The survivor, identified as a British national, is recovering in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. “He is doing very well and will be ready to be discharged anytime soon,” said Dr. Dhaval Gameti, a senior official at the hospital.
Grieving relatives gathered outside the hospital and morgue have voiced frustration over delays in identifying and releasing the bodies of their loved ones. According to authorities, DNA matching is underway using samples provided by family members, a process that typically takes up to 72 hours. Officials said they are working to expedite the identifications, especially for victims whose bodies were severely burned.
In response to the disaster, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched a comprehensive investigation. A high-level, multi-disciplinary committee has been established to examine systemic safety procedures and recommend improvements for handling aircraft emergencies. This effort will run parallel to a formal investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which will focus on the direct causes of the crash.
“This committee will not substitute the ongoing investigations by the AAIB or other agencies,” the ministry clarified in a statement.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held his first press briefing since the crash on Saturday, confirming that the government has begun inspecting all Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the country. Air India operates 33 such aircraft, and a separate plane operated by IndiGo is also under review. So far, eight aircraft have undergone checks, with the rest scheduled for immediate inspection.
The crash has raised serious questions about aircraft maintenance, takeoff procedures, and emergency protocols. Investigators are examining various technical factors, including engine performance, flap deployment, and the status of the landing gear during takeoff.
As the nation mourns the lives lost, efforts continue to bring answers to grieving families and ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.
