New Delhi: The Gujarat health department on Tuesday confirmed that 275 people died in the Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12, according to a report by NDTV. This is the first official death toll released since the incident.
According to officials, 241 of the deceased were on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, while 34 were on the ground when the aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport and was carrying 242 people, including crew.
DNA identification still under way
Authorities said DNA identification of some bodies is still under way, but all except one have now been identified.
The aircraft reportedly lost altitude within seconds of take-off and crashed into the hostel of BJ Medical College, resulting in a large explosion and fire. Rescue and recovery operations were carried out by multiple state agencies, with forensic teams deployed to assist in identifying the victims.
Meanwhile, an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India is currently in progress. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
