Officials investigating the Air India plane crash confirmed on Sunday that the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — a key part of the black box — has been recovered. They stated that this crucial device will help determine the possible causes behind the tragic accident, which claimed 274 lives. Among the victims, 241 were passengers and crew members, with only one survivor.
Earlier, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had confirmed the recovery of only the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). With both recorders now secured, investigators are better equipped to understand what led to the crash.
Officials Confirmed Black Box Recovery to PM’s Principal Secretary
Officials briefed PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about the recovery of the black box. On Sunday, he visited the crash site in Ahmedabad and also went to the Civil Hospital, where the injured are being treated.
Mishra Chairs High-Level Review Meeting
According to an official statement, PK Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting at Circuit House in Ahmedabad. He discussed the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts with senior officials from the central and state governments, AAIB, and the Airports Authority of India.
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Detailed Investigation Launched by AAIB and US Authorities
The AAIB has launched a detailed investigation into the crash. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also conducting a parallel probe under international protocols, as the aircraft was manufactured in the United States. Officials confirmed to Mishra that both the FDR and CVR have been located and secured.
Crash Occurred in Meghani Nagar Area
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI 171) crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport and caught fire upon impact. The crash occurred near BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area. The aircraft had 242 people on board, including crew. Additionally, 29 people on the ground also lost their lives, including five MBBS students.
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Site and Hospital Visit by Mishra
PK Mishra inspected the crash site near BJ Medical College, where he was briefed in detail by officials. He then visited Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad to meet grieving families, review the DNA matching process, and instructed officials to ensure a smooth, compassionate identification process. He also spoke with injured victims and asked hospital staff to prioritise their medical care and recovery.
PM Modi’s Commitment to Supporting Victims’ Families
Later, Mishra visited the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar to review the DNA sampling process and emphasised the need for scientific accuracy and faster identification. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to provide every possible support to the victims’ families and ensure coordinated response among all concerned agencies.