The Voice News: A horrific Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has resulted in the recovery of 204 bodies. Another 41 injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment, and their condition is said to be extremely critical, according to Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner G.S. Malik.
He further stated that, given the intensity of the crash, the chances of survival are very slim. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the situation remains extremely challenging due to the wreckage and persistent fire.
The police commissioner made these remarks to the media on Thursday (June 12).
Earlier in the afternoon, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London, United Kingdom. Just minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed. Of the 242 people onboard, 230 were passengers and the remaining 12 were crew members.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The aircraft crashed onto a hostel building of a medical college located just outside the airport shortly after takeoff, resulting in many casualties among students and medical staff present in the hostel.
Bird Strike May Have Caused the Crash
A video of the devastating crash has gone viral. It shows the aircraft swaying after taking off from the runway before crashing. The Air India flight collided with the student hostel of the medical college.
An aviation expert told NDTV that the aircraft was likely hit by multiple birds immediately after takeoff. As a result, it lost the thrust necessary for a full ascent. Despite their best efforts, the pilots were unable to keep the aircraft in the air.
Former captain and aviation expert Saurabh Bhatnagar said, “Initial observations suggest that both engines failed after being struck by multiple birds. The takeoff appeared smooth, but before the landing gear could be retracted, the plane began to descend. This typically happens when engine power is lost or the aircraft is unable to stay airborne.”
He added, “The video shows the takeoff was executed well. Moreover, the plane descended in a controlled manner. The pilot issued a Mayday call, indicating that an emergency situation had arisen at that moment.”
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
