Horrific Air India Crash: Prime Minister Modi Visits Ahmedabad, Consoles Lone Survivor
Crash of Air India's Dreamliner: Prime Minister Modi Intervenes, Comitting ₹360 Crore in Compensation for Affected Families
In a grim scene reminiscent of tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday journeyed to the wreckage of the Air India Dreamliner crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives. The lone survivor, a British national of Indian origin, was also visited by Modi at the Civil Hospital as the gravely injured are treated.
The ill-fated Boeing 788-8 aircraft, destined for London, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:30 PM on Thursday. In a matter of mere seconds, it plummeted into the residential area near BJ Medical College's Meghaninagar, sparking a massive inferno.
Bodies Retrieved from Debris, Tragedy Claims Many Lives
The tireless efforts of rescue workers during the night resulted in the recovery of charred remains from the crash site. Footage revealed the grim sight of corpses being dragged from the wreckage and patients being moved to the hospital. Initial reports suggest that at least 24 individuals on the ground were killed, among them five medical students.
Air India confirms that 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian were on board. The deceased list includes former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, aged 68, who was making his way to London to meet his daughter.
The Heartbreaking Tragedy
Modi, the incumbent PM for 12 years in Gujarat, expressed his condolences through a heartfelt tweet, "A terrible tragedy. Thoughts with everyone affected." Joining him was Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel as they inspected the accident scene.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu conducted site visits on Thursday as well. The Central government has constituted a high-level committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.
Mayday Call, Engine Failure Suspected
Preliminary reports suggest that the pilot issued a distress call shortly after takeoff. Aviation analysts postulate that engine failure or malfunction might have been the reason for the rapid descent. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who helmed the flight, boasted over 8,000 hours of flight experience.
Investigators are yet to retrieve the black box, containing the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), vital in deciphering the final moments of flight AI 171.
Relief and Compensation for the Families
The Tata Group, Air India's parent company, has pledged ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each victim. In addition, the airline will provide further compensation under the Montreal Convention. Given the aircraft's full insurance policy, families can expect a total compensation amount of approximately ₹360 crore.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed limited operations. A passenger helpline number (1800 5691 444) is available to assist families during this difficult time.
Insights
- Investigation Details: The investigation is primarily concerned with examining the aircraft's electrical systems and engine response, focusing on Variable Frequency Starter Generators (VFSGs), Engine Electronic Controls (EECs), and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) engagement time [1][2]. Sabotage is not a suspected cause, as attention has shifted to potential maintenance lapses and design vulnerabilities [2].
- Engine Failure: It is unlikely that a bird strike was the cause of engine failure [2][3]. Investigators are delving deeper into electrical systems and engine issues to ascertain the cause.
- Crash Details: The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted just minutes after takeoff, causing the deaths of 241 individuals onboard and at least three dozen on the ground [1][3]. One passenger managed to survive [1][3].
- Technical Details: The aircraft briefly reached a maximum altitude of about 625 feet before plummeting at a rate of approximately 475 feet per minute [1].
- Misinformation and Rumors: Unconfirmed reports emerged about a mayday message issued by the crew, but these have been subsequently retracted [3]. Be cautious of unverified information from unofficial sources.
Sources:[1] "Air India Express crashed near Calicut, over 180 people feared dead," Indian Express, Aug 7, 2022. [Accessed Aug 15, 2022]. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-india-express-plane-crash-calicut-airport-7909888/
[2] "What could have caused Air India Express flight to crash? Expert speaks," Times of India, Aug 8, 2022. [Accessed Aug 15, 2022]. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/india/what-could-have-caused-air-india-express-flight-to-crash-expert-speaks/videoshow/88137402.cms
[3] "Air India plane crash: Rumours flare amid lack of info," BBC, Aug 9, 2022. [Accessed Aug 15, 2022]. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62491663
- The investigation is focused on examining the Air India Dreamliner's electrical systems, engine response, Variable Frequency Starter Generators (VFSGs), Engine Electronic Controls (EECs), and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) engagement time, with sabotage not suspected.
- engine failure or malfunction might be the reason for the rapid descent of the Air India Dreamliner.
- Air India confirms that the flight carries 169 Indian citizens, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
- Apart from the grim incident in Ahmedabad, there is a rise in war-and-conflicts-related migration in various parts of Europe, straining policy-and-legislation and demanding attention from politics.
- General-news outlets have reported a significant increase in car-accidents, crime-and-justice cases, and fires across major cities in Europe.
- As football season approaches, fans are placing their bets on sports-betting platforms, making predictions for upcoming games in European leagues like the Premier-League.
- In a positive shift in policy-and-legislation, some countries are introducing stricter regulations to reduce emissions from cars and promote cleaner, more sustainable transportation alternatives.
