Air India Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 274 as More Bodies Recovered from Wreckage

National News:  What began as a routine departure turned into a catastrophic tragedy when Flight AI-117 burst into flames shortly after takeoff, crashing into the bustling BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, heavily loaded with fuel for its London-bound journey, transformed into a fireball upon impact. The devastation was immediate and horrifying—241 passengers and crew perished, along with several innocent lives on the ground, including medical students and college staff. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s name appeared among the dead, adding a political tremor to an already unbearable tragedy.

The violent impact tore through nearby buildings, ignited trees like torches, and left classrooms buried under concrete and ash. By dawn, the rising smoke still carried the stench of burning metal and flesh—as rescue teams pulled out lifeless bodies one after another, raising the death toll to a staggering 275.

Only One Survivor from the Burning Sky

Among the 242 souls onboard—230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and two pilots—only one person miraculously survived. The aircraft, a wide-body long-haul plane, was piloted by Senior Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flight experience. He was joined by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged over 1,100 hours. Tragically, neither survived. The flight had just taken off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM and declared a “Mayday” distress signal moments before communication was lost. Panic gripped the air traffic control tower as the plane vanished from radar screens.

Burning Metal, Shattered Lives, Global Mourning

For many, it was a journey of hope, reunions, or new beginnings. What awaited them, however, was doom. Eyewitnesses described the sky raining fire, metal shards slicing through the air, and cries of help echoing as the campus burned. Emergency services rushed in, but the inferno consumed almost everything before they could act.  

Investigators Retrieve Black Box Amid Charred Debris

A day after the crash, investigators recovered the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), or black box, from a nearby rooftop. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), supported by over 40 Gujarat government officials, has launched a detailed probe. Investigators believe a critical systems failure, combined with excessive fuel weight, might have led to the catastrophic engine failure. However, until the full data is analyzed, the exact cause remains unknown.

Prime Minister Modi Rushes to Scene, Nation Mourns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday evening. He walked through the scorched ruins, later meeting the injured at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He directed officials to expedite relief and recovery operations. Flags flew at half-mast across Gujarat, and a statewide mourning was declared. Grief, disbelief, and rage now dominate the streets of Ahmedabad.

A Nation Shattered, A Flight Never Meant to Land

What was supposed to be a routine international flight became India’s darkest aviation hour. The loss of young students, experienced pilots, a former CM, and families traveling abroad has united the nation in mourning. As rescue workers continue sifting through ashes, one question burns in every heart—how could this happen?

Closure Demands Truth, Not Just Tears

As bodies are identified and families grieve, public pressure mounts on Air India and aviation authorities for accountability. The crash has raised grave questions about aircraft maintenance, airport emergency preparedness, and pilot response protocols. For now, the country clutches photographs, memories, and silence—waiting for answers.