A just as tragic but very lucky Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabat. This tragic event that should never have occurred resulted in the deaths of 279 individuals. Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, unfortunately, didn’t get off the ground as planned from Ahmedabad airport. Just after takeoff, the craft plowed into buildings close to the airport. As the world, country and community mourn, the incident has rocked the local community and families of victims. The deep impact on the incident has been profound.
The crash scenario
On the morning of October 12, the plane had lost control within seconds of takeoff. Of the 67 dead, 38 of the victims were on the ground, emphasizing how far the wreckage scattered upon impact. Miraculously, one other passenger — 22-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh — survived the horrifying crash. His fortunate survival provides a glimmer of joy amid the overarching tragedy.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators have begun a complete analysis of wreckage. They are particularly focusing their efforts on the cockpit voice recorder, which was recovered intact. This all-important, crucial piece of evidence is hoped to offer details on the pilots’ final seconds and decisions. Investigators found the flight data recorder in less than 28 hours after the catastrophe. This important discovery allowed them to recreate what led up to the collision.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s mayday call came barely seconds after takeoff. His swift action elevated the urgency and seriousness of the developing situation. A team from Boeing has been dispatched to Ahmedabad to support the investigation. At the same time, regulators in the UK and US are working in concert with Indian officials to determine why this horrible accident took place.
No doubt the impact of the crash has caused personal grief and confusion to the families of the victims. Most relatives are awaiting results from ongoing DNA testing before health officials can return the bodies of their loved ones. The Maryland Department of Health urges families not to view coffins when they are delivered. Above all, they’re worried about what will happen to the remains inside.
Rajnish Patel, a local official that played a central role in the recovery process, described the frustration that investigators encountered.
“This is a meticulous and slow process, so it has to be done meticulously only.” – Rajnish Patel
As families continue to process the involved lives lost, many have gone public with their discontent over how they have been informed by investigators. Rinal Christian, who lost his brother in the crash, criticized officials for their failure to provide real information.
“They said it would take 48 hours. But it’s been four days and we haven’t received any response. My brother was the sole breadwinner of the family. So what happens next?” – Rinal Christian
The tragedy has raised urgent questions about aviation safety. It further emphasizes the critical importance of comprehensive investigations into these incidents. Federal, state, and local authorities are scrambling right now to figure out what caused this tragic bridge collapse. They’re committed to getting justice for those still impacted.