Tata Group Air India Crash Kills 270, Investigation Underway
As the investigation continues, the focus is on determining the cause of the crash and ensuring that such an accident does not happen again. The safety checks on Air India's Boeing 787 fleet are a step in the right direction, and the airline's commitment to safety is paramount. The crash has had a profound impact on the families of the victims, and the vigils held across India and the UK are a testament to the outpouring of grief and support.
A London-bound Air India plane crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew members, with 29 people on the ground also confirmed dead, bringing the total death toll to 270. The crash occurred shortly after take-off, and officials are working to establish the number of ground fatalities and match DNA samples to confirm identities.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the inquiry, aided by US and UK teams, to determine the cause of the crash. Air India's Boeing 787-8 fleet has been ordered to undergo additional safety checks following the crash, which may cause delays on certain long-haul routes due to higher turnaround times. The airline has completed checks on nine planes and is on track to finish the process for the remaining 24 aircraft within the regulator's timeline.
One of the survivors, Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, miraculously escaped the crash with burn injuries to his left hand. Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, reported that the plane seemed stuck mid-air before accelerating and failing to gain height, resulting in the crash. He was met by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the crash site, and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Vigils have been held across India and the UK to honor the dead, and the investigation is ongoing. The DGCA has ordered enhanced inspection of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, which includes reviews of various systems and take-off parameters. The safety checks are part of the efforts to ensure the safety of Air India's passengers and crew.
The crash has raised concerns about air safety, and the investigation will be crucial in determining the cause of the accident. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew.