Air India catastrophe death toll increases to 270

(MENAFN) The death toll from Thursday’s Air India crash has climbed to 270, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history. The plane crashed into a medical college dormitory shortly after takeoff, leaving only one survivor from the flight.

Rescue teams recovered more bodies late Friday, increasing the total from the previously reported 265, officials said Saturday. Dr. Dhaval Gamet from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital confirmed that around 270 bodies have been brought in so far. The sole survivor, 40-year-old UK national of Indian origin Ramesh Vishwashkumar, remains under medical observation for his injuries. In an interview, Vishwashkumar described how he escaped by jumping out of the plane seconds before the crash, witnessing the tragedy unfold around him.

Families of victims continue to await the return of their loved ones’ remains. DNA profiling and dental sample collection are ongoing but slow, as many bodies are badly charred and difficult to identify. One relative reported providing a blood sample for identification but had yet to receive any news.

The flight took off from Ahmedabad before losing altitude and crashing. Preliminary reports cite engine failure and poor visibility as possible causes, with investigations underway by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which recovered flight data and cockpit recordings.

In response, New Delhi’s aviation regulator has ordered Air India to perform immediate maintenance checks on its Boeing 787-8/9 fleet, including reviewing takeoff procedures and recent aircraft inspections.

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