The death toll from the tragic Air India crash has risen to 270, with grieving families still waiting to recover the remains of their loved ones. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday when a Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, plummeting into a medical college accommodation block in a fiery explosion.
Officials confirmed that only one person survived the crash, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. According to Dhaval Gameti, President of the Junior Doctors Association at B.J. Medical College, 270 bodies have been recovered from the scene.
The ill-fated flight was carrying 272 passengers and crew, including 53 British nationals. Investigations are underway, with authorities examining potential causes such as engine thrust malfunction, flap issues, and failure of the landing gear to retract.
As forensic teams race against time, families gathered outside hospitals in Ahmedabad are becoming increasingly distressed. Many of the victims’ bodies are severely charred, requiring DNA profiling and dental identification to confirm identities.
Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, who lost four family members in the crash, expressed frustration over the lack of information:
“We have lost our children. We don’t understand what is going on. Please help us get information about when their bodies will be released.”
Another grieving father, whose son Harshad Patel died in the crash, said he was informed the identification process could take up to 72 hours.
“Authorities are trying to help, but our patience is running out,” he said.
Forensic dentist Jaishankar Pillai revealed that dental records for 135 victims have been obtained, and matching will be done using previous dental charts, radiographs, or medical records to confirm identities.
As investigations continue and families await closure, the crash stands as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for improved aviation safety and crisis response protocols.
