Families in Ahmedabad, India, are facing an unimaginable tragedy following the recent Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of nearly all 242 people on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff, crashing into a residential area, causing destruction and chaos.
As relatives gather outside the morgue in the sweltering heat, they anxiously await news of their loved ones. Many of the victims were severely burned, making identification difficult. The process of matching DNA samples with family members is slow, and the emotional toll is heavy. Lila Behan, a grieving grandmother, expressed her heartbreak, longing to see her grandson Akash one last time. He was outside when the plane crashed into their quarters, and now, she can’t even recognize his face due to his injuries. Her daughter-in-law, Sita, is in critical condition after trying to save him.
Anand Thanki, who lost three family members, including an infant, shared his sorrow. His sister-in-law, Raxa, had traveled to India for a religious ceremony with her young son. Just two months prior, she lost her husband to cancer. Anand reflected on the tragedy, saying, "It’s a big loss, but what can we do? We can only blame our fate."
The crash site is particularly devastating, located in a bustling neighborhood where many were going about their daily lives. The aircraft struck a building housing medical students, and the tail of the plane ended up lodged in a dining hall. Plates remain on tables, a haunting reminder of the moments before the crash. At least 23 victims on the ground, including students and doctors, were injured, with some in critical condition.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, expressing his condolences and assessing the situation. He has personal ties to the area, having served as the chief minister of Gujarat. Modi met with Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash, who recounted his miraculous escape.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, and investigators are beginning the challenging task of uncovering what went wrong. This disaster marks one of the worst in India’s aviation history, leaving families to cope with their profound losses. As they wait for answers, the grief and uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on those affected.