The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, has claimed the lives of 241 people, with only one survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh. Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, expressed his gratitude for surviving the tragic incident, saying, “I still cannot believe how I made it out alive”. The flight, which was headed to London, had 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian on board.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, announced the recovery of one of the two flight data recorders, also known as black boxes. “This marks an important step forward in the investigation,” he said. “This will significantly aid the inquiry into the incident.” The black box was recovered within 28 hours from the accident site in Ahmedabad by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but investigators from Delhi and foreign countries have been working at the site since Thursday. UK and US investigators have arrived in India to assist in the probe. According to the Air India owner, Tata Group, the investigators will “have our full cooperation, and we will be completely transparent about the findings”.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson visited the crash site and announced that the airline would provide approximately £85,000 to families of each person who lost their life in the plane crash. “We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured,” Wilson added. The airline has set up Friends and Relatives Assistance centers at several airports to support affected families.
Locals in Ahmedabad held a silent candlelight vigil near the crash site, while others waited anxiously at the Civil Hospital for news of their loved ones. “I don’t know where to go or whom to ask,” said Uday Mehta, who was searching for his uncle and aunt. The community has come together to support the families of the victims, with some setting up food stalls for journalists and volunteers outside the hospital.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered extra safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet as a precautionary measure. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the recovered black box expected to provide crucial insights. As the world waits for answers, the families of the victims continue to grieve and seek support during this difficult time.