Cockpit voice recorder recovered in Air India crash; investigation underway
GUJARAT, India, June 16: Officials investigating Sunday's deadly Air India plane crash have confirmed the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), a key piece of evidence that will aid in determining the cause of the crash that claimed 270 lives, including 241 people on board.
Previously, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had announced the retrieval of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The confirmation of both black boxes was made to P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the crash site in Ahmedabad and the civil hospital where injured individuals are being treated.
Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, where he discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigative measures with senior officials from the central and state governments, the AAIB, and the Airports Authority of India, according to an official release.
'The Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been located and secured,' the release stated, noting that both devices are critical for determining the cause of the crash.
The AAIB has launched a thorough investigation, while the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also conducting a parallel probe under international protocols, as the aircraft involved is American-made.
The crash involved a Boeing 787-8 (AI 171) en route to London, which plummeted shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane crashed into the campus of a nearby medical college in the Meghaninagar area, erupting in flames. Of the 242 passengers and crew on board, only one survived. An additional 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, also lost their lives.
Mishra visited the accident site near B.J. Medical College, Meghani Nagar, where state government and AAIB officials briefed him on the crash sequence and emergency response efforts.
During a visit to Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital, Mishra met with grieving families, observed DNA matching procedures, and directed authorities to ensure a smooth and compassionate process. He also spoke with injured victims and instructed hospital staff to prioritize their care and recovery.
'I am deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy. Everyone is grieving. It is our responsibility to support the victims and share their sorrow,' Mishra said during a press interaction.
At the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar, he reviewed ongoing DNA identification efforts and emphasized the importance of accurate and timely identification of the victims.
Mishra reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi's commitment to providing comprehensive support to the victims' families and ensuring a coordinated response from all agencies involved. He was accompanied by PMO officials, including Advisor to the Prime Minister Tarun Kapoor and Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal, the release added.
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