Ahmedabad, India — The death toll from Thursday’s devastating Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad Airport has risen to 274, officials confirmed on Saturday. Among the victims are 241 passengers and crew members aboard the ill-fated flight and 33 people on the ground.
The additional ground casualties are believed to be individuals on the campus of Ahmedabad’s BJ Medical College, over which the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The tragedy marks the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade.
The Indian government has responded by forming a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the crash. Headed by the Home Secretary, the committee will include senior representatives from both state and central governments. The team is expected to publish its findings within three months.
Air India’s flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed moments after takeoff. Initial reports suggest potential issues with engine thrust, flaps, and concerns over why the landing gear remained open during takeoff.
Aviation authorities have recovered the digital flight data recorder from the rooftop of a building impacted by the crash. However, the cockpit voice recorder, crucial for understanding the events in the cockpit during the incident, has yet to be found.
Investigators are exploring whether maintenance issues may have contributed to the disaster and if Air India could be held accountable. The airline and government officials are cooperating fully with the probe.
The nation mourns the loss of life, and support is being offered to the families affected by this tragic event.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
