Boeing 787 Crash in india: investigation Underway as Families await Identification of Victims
Table of Contents
- Boeing 787 Crash in india: investigation Underway as Families await Identification of Victims
- Immediate Aftermath and Government Response
- Challenges in Identifying Victims
- The Agonizing Wait for Families
- Impact on the Medical College
- A City Mourns: The story of Mahesh Kalawadia
- Investigation Progress and Lingering Questions
- Key Facts at a Glance
- Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation: An Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions About Plane Crash Investigations
A high-level investigation is underway after a Boeing 787 crashed in a densely populated residential area of Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. The crash,which occurred near the city’s airport,impacted a medical college hostel and surrounding buildings. As authorities work to determine the cause of the accident, families are facing agonizing delays as forensic teams struggle to identify the victims.
Immediate Aftermath and Government Response
In the immediate aftermath of the plane crash, the Indian government ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. All Boeing 787s operated by local carriers have been ordered to undergo immediate inspection. the country’s aviation authority is exploring all potential causes of the crash, enlisting the expertise of international aviation specialists to aid in the inquiry.
Did You Know? The Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, is a wide-body jet airliner typically configured to seat 242 to 335 passengers, depending on the variant and seating arrangement.
Challenges in Identifying Victims
The process of identifying the victims has proven exceptionally difficult. The majority of remains were severely burned, necessitating DNA sampling to ensure accurate identification. HP Sanghvi, director of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences in Gandhinagar city, emphasized the importance of precision in this process. However, the extensive damage caused by the high temperatures of the blast has potentially compromised the DNA of many passengers.
Forensic dentist Jaishankar Pillai reported that his team is attempting to collect dental records from the charred remains, as these might potentially be the only viable source of DNA in certain specific cases.
The Agonizing Wait for Families
The wait for facts has been excruciating for the families of those affected. many have declined to speak to the media, expressing only their desire to bring home “whatever is left of their loved ones.” One woman waiting outside the autopsy room told the BBC that words could not express their current state as she and her family waited for news.
Pro Tip: Support groups and mental health resources are available for families coping with the trauma of such events. Contact local authorities or non-profit organizations for assistance.
Impact on the Medical College
BJ Medical College, near which the plane crashed, has begun evacuating several hostel wards. Four wards, including the hostel canteen which was the site of the crash, have been completely emptied. Students in nearby wings have also started to leave, with many returning to their homes. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, described the haunting atmosphere in the remaining wards, where only a few students remain, grappling with the memory of the disaster.
A City Mourns: The story of Mahesh Kalawadia
Among those affected is the family of Mahesh Kalawadia, a music producer in the Gujarati film industry. His brother, Kartik Kalawadia, last heard from mahesh about 30 minutes before the crash. Mahesh had called his wife, saying, “I am coming home.” He was reportedly crossing the area near BJ Medical College when the plane crashed. The family has filed a police complaint and made numerous visits to the Civil Hospital, but have found no trace of him.
“The hospital told us they have no record of my brother. We also tried tracing his scooter, but nothing came of that either,” Mr. Kalawadia said.
“It’s like he vanished into thin air.”

Investigation Progress and Lingering Questions
Civil Aviation Secretary SK Sinha acknowledged the difficulty of the situation at a press conference,but assured the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly. Though, for families like the Kalawadias, the question remains whether these inquiries will lead to answers and closure.
Imtiyaz Ali Sayed, who initially struggled to accept the loss of his brother Javed and his family, now faces the difficult decision of where to bury him. “To me, it makes no difference you know?” he said, “because he’s gone, from ashes to dust and back to God.”
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 787 |
| Location | Ahmedabad, India |
| Impact Zone | Densely populated residential area, medical college hostel |
| Investigation Status | High-level investigation underway with international assistance |
| Victim Identification | Challenging due to extensive charring; DNA sampling in progress |
Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation: An Overview
Plane crashes, while rare, prompt immediate and thorough investigations to determine the cause and prevent future incidents. These investigations typically involve analyzing flight data recorders (black boxes), examining wreckage, and interviewing witnesses. The goal is to identify any mechanical failures, human error, or environmental factors that contributed to the crash. The findings are then used to improve aviation safety regulations and aircraft design.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the leading causes of aviation accidents include pilot error, mechanical failure, and weather-related issues. However, a combination of factors often contributes to a single accident. Continuous advancements in technology and rigorous safety protocols have significantly reduced the number of plane crashes over the past few decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plane Crash Investigations
- What steps are taken immediately following a plane crash?
- The immediate steps include securing the crash site, initiating search and rescue operations, and notifying relevant authorities such as the aviation authority and transportation safety board.
- How long dose a typical plane crash investigation take?
- The duration of an investigation can vary widely depending on the complexity of the crash and the amount of evidence to analyze. Some investigations might potentially be completed in a few months, while others can take a year or more.
- Who is involved in a plane crash investigation?
- A plane crash investigation typically involves experts from various fields, including aviation safety, engineering, meteorology, and human factors. Representatives from the aircraft manufacturer and airline may also participate.
- What is the role of the “black box” in a plane crash investigation?
- The “black box,” which includes the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder,is a crucial source of information in a plane crash investigation.It provides data on the aircraft’s performance and the crew’s communications during the flight.
- How are the findings of a plane crash investigation used?
- The findings of a plane crash investigation are used to identify the causes of the crash and make recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. These recommendations may lead to changes in aviation regulations, aircraft design, or pilot training.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the plane crash and its aftermath. It does not offer legal, medical, or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.
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