Tragic Air India Flight Crash: Aviation Safety Review Initiated, ET TravelWorld
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London-bound Air India flight crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, sole survivor found
Rescue operation has been completed at the crash site near Meghani Nagar area in the capital city of Gujarat. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB. An emergency response centre has been activated at the Ahmedabad airport, and dedicated support teams have been deployed to assist families of the passengers. See More Details
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A day after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 , operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, Indian authorities announced a high-level aviation safety review , signalling an urgent push to investigate and prevent future disasters in the country's fast-growing aviation sector.In the wake of the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 that claimed 241 lives of the passengers and dozens more of those present at the crash site, India has initiated a comprehensive aviation safety review at the highest levels. The unprecedented incident — marking the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — has not only devastated families across multiple nations but also spurred a coordinated international investigation involving the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing.As authorities seek answers, the government has moved swiftly to strengthen oversight and systemic safeguards across India's rapidly expanding civil aviation sector.On Thursday afternoon, the aircraft codenamed VT-AMB, a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1338 IST carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew. It crashed minutes after take-off, claiming 241 lives. A sole survivor, identified as a British national of Indian origin, is currently being treated in a hospital.This incident marks the first crash involving a Boeing 787-8, a model previously lauded for its safety record, thus intensifying global scrutiny.The Indian government has launched a formal investigation, led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in accordance with ICAO protocols. In addition, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft manufacturer Boeing are collaborating in the probe, highlighting the international concern surrounding the event.To further examine systemic issues, the government is constituting a multi-disciplinary expert committee tasked with strengthening aviation safety norms, infrastructure, and procedures across Indian skies.Authorities are working to retrieve the flight data recorders (black boxes) to determine the precise cause. Air India has committed to full transparency during the process.The aviation world now waits for answers — and solutions — as India takes its first steps toward healing and reform in the aftermath of an unprecedented national tragedy.Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. In a video message, CEO Campbell Wilson conveyed deep sorrow and assured that verified updates will be shared responsibly.'This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are doing everything we can for the families and survivors," he mentioned.Wilson further added that while the causes of the crash would take time to determine, the airline is focused on transparency and responsible communication. "We will share accurate and verified information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, our teams are working around the clock to extend care, provide updates, and coordinate closely with all emergency and relief agencies," he added.Meanwhile, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced:₹1 crore compensation for each victim's familyFull medical coverage for the survivorSupport for the reconstruction of the BJ Medical College hostel, damaged in the crash.'This is an unimaginably tragic day for all of us. Our immediate focus is on providing every possible assistance to the families affected by this accident. Air India and Tata Group are working closely with the authorities and have mobilised resources for medical aid, counselling, and logistical support for families of passengers and crew," Chandrasekaran added.On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire membership of IATO, President Ravi Gosain extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating incident."This is an extremely painful moment for the entire travel, tourism, and aviation fraternity. Air India has been a strong pillar of India's aviation industry, playing a crucial role in connecting India to the world and supporting the growth of Indian tourism. The entire IATO community stands in complete solidarity with Air India, its management, staff, and the grieving families during this time of immense sorrow," he said.
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Hindustan Times
21 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Bhagavad Gita found in near-mint condition from Air India plane crash debris
Social media is abuzz with a 'miracle' that came to light in the aftermath of the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed at least 260 people – an almost-intact hard copy of the religious text, the Bhagavad Gita. The holy book remained mostly undamaged despite the intense heat and burning fuel. Follow Ahmedabad plane crash live updates Air India's Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-7 Dreamliner (AI171), carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into BJ Medical College's doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Of the 242 onboard the aircraft, which went up in flames within minutes of take-off, only one survivor remained. Among the victims of the tragic air crash was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani. Since the crash took place in a residential area, several parts of Boeing's debris were found near the hostel and other infrastructures there. A copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, also survived the fatal tragedy. Several videos of the book being found in the debris went viral on social media, with clips shared by some journalists confirming the same. A man was seen flipping the pages of the Holy scripture, showing it to the people at the crash site, who were also filming the Bhagavad Gita. According to the visuals, while some minor damage was visible on the holy book's cover, the written text and images on the pages inside seemed to be quite intact. Radharamn Das, vice president and spokesperson of Iskcon Kolkata, shared the video on X and said, "Amid the fiery #planecrash, a copy of the Bhagavad Gita was found untouched. One soul miraculously survived with minor bruises. Another girl, who missed the flight by just 10 minutes, was arguing with staff to allow her to board the ill-fated flight." Another user on the microblogging platform wrote, "Miracle amidst tragedy: Bhagavad Gita remains undamaged and intact after the plane crash." Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated on seat 11A of the Dreamliner, is the only survivor of the Air India crash. Ramesh is a 40-year-old British national who was visiting family in India. 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,' Vishwash told HT. He said when he got up, there were bodies all around him. "I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital," he added. Vishwas, who suffered injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital, Asarwa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the plane crash site in Ahmedabad, met the lone survivor, Vishwash and the injured victims at the hospital there. Following his visit, the prime minister expressed deep grief and wrote on X, 'We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.'
New Indian Express
22 minutes ago
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Day after Ahmedabad tragedy, first responder recalls India's last major air crash in 2010
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NDTV
27 minutes ago
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