Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: Black Box Recovered, Death Toll Rises to 254

In a tragic incident that has shaken the nation, the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of 254 individuals, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. The ill-fated flight was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian national, and 12 crew members. Heartbreakingly, only one person survived—a British national of Indian origin.

Victims Identified, Families Grieve

The crash has left a deep impact on the medical community. Dr. Mehul Shah, President of the Gujarat chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), confirmed the deaths of four medical students and the wife of a local doctor, underscoring the widespread tragedy across professional and community lines.

From the residential area near the crash site, eight bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Authorities are working relentlessly to complete the identification process. So far, blood samples from 219 relatives of the deceased have been collected to support DNA testing, which remains a critical step in identifying severely burned or fragmented remains.

Note: DNA testing in disaster victim identification (DVI) is used when conventional methods like facial recognition or fingerprinting are not feasible.

Meanwhile, 31 individuals who sustained serious injuries are currently being treated at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Medical teams are operating round the clock to provide critical care, with many of the injured in intensive care units.

Investigation Underway: Black Box Recovered

In an effort to uncover the cause of the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the plane’s black box—a device formally known as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR).

The FDR records detailed flight information such as speed, altitude, engine performance, and cockpit communications, and is essential for post-crash analysis.

Alongside this, forensic experts have begun conducting detailed examinations of the wreckage and other materials from the crash site. Authorities have stated that the exact cause of the accident will only be confirmed after a comprehensive forensic and technical investigation, combining flight data analysis with crash site evidence.

Emergency Response: Medical, Police, and Community Support

On the ground, local health services, police, and security personnel remain on high alert. A range of emergency measures has been activated to support both the victims’ families and affected residents from nearby areas impacted by the crash.

A 24/7 control room has been established at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to streamline coordination of relief and response operations. Additionally, arrangements for temporary accommodation, food, and transportation have been put in place to aid grieving families arriving from various parts of the state and abroad.

State in Mourning: Gujarat Unites in Grief and Solidarity

The tragedy has left the entire state of Gujarat in a state of collective mourning. Communities across cities and villages are holding condolence meetings and prayer gatherings to honor the victims. In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, citizens are turning out in large numbers to donate blood and extend help wherever needed—reflecting the unity and compassion of the people in the face of tragedy.

Akashvani’s correspondent reports that public response has been overwhelming, and relief efforts continue to receive support from civic organizations, volunteers, and the wider medical community.

This coordinated national and local response underscores both the gravity of the tragedy and the strength of the communal spirit in times of crisis. As investigations progress and more details emerge, the focus remains firmly on supporting survivors, helping grieving families, and ensuring accountability and safety in Indian aviation moving forward.