Air India Crash: Black Box Recovered in Ahmedabad
The flight data recorder (black box) has been recovered from the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad, India, according to the civil aviation minister. The recovery marks a crucial step in understanding the cause of the tragic event.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) located the black box within 28 hours of the crash. The AAIB is leading the inquiry, receiving support from teams in the US and UK.
Tragic Details of the Crash
The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew, along with at least eight individuals on the ground. The plane crashed in the Meghani Nagar residential area shortly after takeoff.
Victims and Survivors
Air India has confirmed the flight manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. One survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, remains hospitalized. Identification of victims is primarily relying on DNA matching, adding to the families' wait for closure.
Prime Minister's Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, underscoring the government's attention to the disaster.
Aircraft History
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had completed over 700 flights in the past year, frequently flying routes between Mumbai/New Delhi and European cities. The aircraft was 11 years old.