Air India AI-171 Crash: Boeing, AAIB Teams Arrive In Ahmedabad To Inspect The Site

Ahmedabad: On Monday, the team members of Boeing along with the officials of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), arrived in Ahmedabad to investigate the site of the Air India plane crash. 

An investigation is underway to probe the reasons that caused the tragic incident of Air India plane A1-171 Boeing 787-7, on June 12. 

The Air India A1-171 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which was headed to London, crashed into a hostel complex shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The accident claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Earlier today, a UK-based expert who reached the crash site in Ahmedabad for inspection said, “Maybe we will be able to speak later... We saw what you guys can see... It's just the same, as you can see from here.”

Meanwhile, the Additional Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital reported on Monday that DNA matches from the Air India tragedy were 92, corresponding to 87 people due to some duplication. Dr Rajnish Patel told the media that 47 bodies have so far been sent to different districts. 

“Of the bodies brought to Civil Hospital, DNA matching of 92 (body remains) is completed, of this (the number of) individuals is 87 because there is duplication. 47 bodies have been dispatched from here... Bodies have been dispatched to Kheda, Ahmedabad, Kota, Mahesana, Bharuch, Vadodara, Aravalli, Anand, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Mahisagar and Bhavnagar,” said Dr Patel.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the crash, will be cremated later today in Rajkot with full state honours.

The Tricolour is being taken to the Civil Hospital mortuary in Ahmedabad to be placed on his body. About 2,000 kilograms of flowers will be used to decorate the hearse van that will carry his body.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people onboard, which included 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The only survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently being treated for his injuries.

At least 33 people on the ground, including local residents and MBBS students, also lost their lives as the plane crashed into the doctor's hostel after takeoff. 

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