The death toll in the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has reached 254. The flight had a total of 242 people on board, with 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national, along with 12 crew members. Only one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived. President of the Gujarat chapter of the Indian Medical Association, Mehul Shah, has confirmed the deaths of four medical students and the wife of a doctor.
Eight bodies from the nearby residential area, which was affected by the crash, have been identified and handed over to their families. Blood samples from 219 relatives of the deceased have been collected to aid in DNA testing and identification. Currently, 31 individuals are being treated for injuries at the Civil Hospital, with medical staff working around the clock to provide critical care.
An investigation is in progress to determine the exact cause of the crash. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the aircraft’s black box- formally known as the Flight Data Recorder-from the crash site. Forensic experts have also begun detailed examinations. Authorities state that the cause of the accident will be confirmed following a comprehensive forensic and technical analysis.
Akashvani’s Correspondent reports that local health, police, and security teams remain on high alert. Emergency measures and support systems have been put in place to assist the victims’ families and affected residents.
“The entire state of Gujarat is in shock after the devastating Air India plane crash. The tragedy has left families and communities grieving across the region, as the majority of the passengers on board were from various parts of the state.
The administration is providing all possible support to the families of the deceased. A 24/7 control room has been set up at the Civil Hospital to coordinate relief efforts. Arrangements for accommodation and transportation have also been made to assist the grieving families. Across the state, condolence meetings and group prayer gatherings are being held to honour the victims. In a strong show of solidarity, people are also turning out in large numbers to donate blood, offering help in any way they can.
