Govt Forms High-Level Panel to Probe Ahmedabad Air India Crash; UK Royals to Pay Tribute
Following the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, the Indian government has established a high-level committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, to investigate the causes and recommend future safety protocols. The report is expected in three months. Meanwhile, the British Royal Family announced they would wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence during Trooping the Colour as a mark of respect.
Unpacked:
The Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, losing signal less than a minute after departure. It reached about 625 feet before descending and hitting a building, causing a large explosion. The crash resulted in 241 deaths among passengers and crew, plus casualties on the ground, including five medical students. One passenger reportedly survived.
Yes, both black boxes have been recovered. One was damaged but is considered recoverable. Indian investigators will analyze the data, and U.S. investigators are expected to assist in the investigation.
Yes, among the 242 people on board, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The crash also resulted in casualties on the ground, including medical students in the building struck by the plane.
The British Royal Family is observing a minute's silence and wearing black armbands because many British nationals were among the victims, and the flight was heading to London. Such gestures are customary to honor international tragedies with significant British involvement.