The Ahmedabad Air India crash investigation deepens as both black boxes are recovered. With 270 lives lost, Gujarat ramps up relief, insurance, and DNA identification efforts. Families receive coordinated support, while the Cockpit Voice Recorder is expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the tragic incident.
The investigation into the catastrophic Air India AI-171 crash near Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, has intensified following the recovery of the second black box – the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – from the wreckage. This critical development is expected to provide vital insights into the final moments of the flight that claimed 270 lives, including passengers, crew, and nearby residents.
The CVR, retrieved from the cockpit area, records conversations between pilots, cockpit alarms, radio transmissions, and ambient sounds. Days earlier, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which logs aircraft performance parameters, had been recovered from the tail end of the aircraft. Together, these devices form the backbone of any aviation crash probe.
Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed the recovery and ongoing analysis of both the CVR and FDR. “The voice recordings are likely to shed light on the pilots’ decision-making, possible mechanical issues, and the chain of events that led to this devastating crash,” said a senior investigator.
P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited the crash site on Sunday to review the situation and oversee investigation efforts. He also met with survivors and the injured at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, where over 100 trauma care professionals and medical teams are currently deployed.
Rising Toll and National Mourning
The tragic incident has claimed 270 lives so far. Among them, 241 were passengers aboard the ill-fated flight, while others perished in nearby hostels, mess halls, and residential buildings impacted by the crash. In a poignant turn of events, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed. In his memory, the Gujarat government has declared a one-day state mourning on Monday, suspending official functions and flying the national flag at half-mast.
Swift Government Action on Relief and Insurance
In the wake of the disaster, the Gujarat government has mobilized an extensive response. District Collectors and nodal officers have been deployed to coordinate relief, compensation, and insurance claim processing. Special emphasis is being placed on compassionate and efficient support to grieving families.
A joint coordination cell, set up at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in accordance with IRDAI guidelines, is facilitating insurance claims. New India Assurance is handling general insurance, while HDFC Life, alongside LIC, is managing life insurance settlements. Dedicated help desks are assisting families with documentation and guidance.
District authorities have provided insurers with passenger manifests and other crucial documentation to speed up verification. DNA identification efforts are ongoing, with 250 samples collected so far and 62 matches confirmed. Thirty-five mortal remains have already been returned to families—27 after DNA verification and eight through visual identification. Only three passengers remain unidentified, with their relatives en route from the UK to provide samples.
Humanitarian Coordination and Support
To ensure dignified handling of mortal remains, over 250 nodal and assistant officers have been deployed. They are supporting families from the point of DNA collection through to final rites. Mortal remains are being transported under police escort, with personal belongings returned, and officers remaining with families until funerals are completed.
For families arriving from other states, the government is providing logistical support including free air travel, accommodation, and transportation. The Roads and Buildings Department has been tasked with minimizing inconvenience for grieving relatives.
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State emergency helplines have fielded over 1,700 calls to date, connecting families with the services they need. In addition, Air India has stationed a permanent team at the Civil Hospital to provide 24/7 assistance.
Counselling services have also been introduced to help families cope with the emotional toll of the tragedy. The Gujarat government continues to coordinate closely with national and regional authorities to streamline all aspects of rescue, relief, and investigation.
As investigators pore over the black boxes and authorities work tirelessly on the ground, the nation mourns a colossal tragedy—one that has left an indelible scar on India’s aviation history and a deep wound in the hearts of hundreds of grieving families.
