In response to the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has declared a one-day state mourning period for former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The funeral for Rupani is scheduled for Monday in Rajkot. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings, and no official entertainment will be permitted, as per a state government order. Following DNA testing, Rupani’s remains were identified and returned to his family.
Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi reported that DNA testing had confirmed the identities of 86 victims of the crash, and the process is ongoing. Authorities conducted DNA tests to identify the victims, as many bodies were severely damaged, hindering identification. At least 230 teams were created to support the families of those who perished in the tragedy.
The Air India Flight 171, which was headed to London, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, resulting in 270 fatalities. The flight had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots. The plane was en route to Gatwick airport in London. According to his business class ticket, Rupani was on the flight and was traveling to see his daughter.
A passenger, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash and was hospitalized. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers and 29 people on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recovered the Air India plane’s black box 28 hours after the incident. The data from the orange box, found near the plane’s tail, will be crucial for the investigation. Air India is expressing its deep sorrow for the loss of life on Flight AI171.
Air India has contacted the next of kin of all passengers and crew, offering condolences and support. More than 400 family members have arrived in Ahmedabad and are receiving assistance. Each affected family in Ahmedabad has been assigned a caregiver. Air India is working with other Tata Group companies to provide assistance to the affected families. Air India is also assisting authorities in handing over remains and facilitating repatriation efforts. Assistance centers are available at Ahmedabad and Mumbai airports.
