The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad is marked by profound grief, with families of the victims grappling with unimaginable loss. CNN-News18 spoke exclusively to several families who shared their heartbreak and desperate search for answers.
Poonam Patel, a relative of one of the passengers, recounted the moment she learned about the tragedy. "My sister-in-law was going to London. Within an hour, I got news that the plane had crashed," she said, her voice thick with emotion, outside the government hospital in Ahmedabad where families gathered, seeking any information about their loved ones. The agonizing wait for confirmation and the sheer scale of the disaster have left families in a state of shock.
Many families had seen their loved ones off at Ahmedabad airport just hours before the crash. The airport, usually a place of joyful departures, became a scene of chaos and despair as news of the crash spread. Relatives rushed to the airport, desperately seeking information amidst the confusion. The airline and local authorities struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of distraught family members, attempting to provide support and updates amidst the rapidly unfolding tragedy.
The crash has not only claimed lives but also shattered dreams. One family was traveling to London with their three young children, including 8 year old and two 5-year-old twins, hoping to start a new life. Sadly, all of them perished in the crash. Their dreams of a fresh start in London, now extinguished, add another layer of sorrow to this devastating event.
Adding to the tragedy, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the passengers on the ill-fated flight. He was on his way to visit his wife in London. Neighbors and supporters gathered outside his home, initially holding prayers for his safety, but were soon met with the grim reality of the crash.
The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, has become a focal point of both hope and sorrow. While his survival is miraculous, it is a stark reminder of the lives lost. Recovering in a hospital, he is reportedly disoriented with multiple injuries. His account of the crash, once he is able to provide it, will be crucial in understanding the sequence of events that led to the disaster.
As families mourn their loved ones, questions linger about the cause of the crash. Aviation experts have suggested several possibilities, including engine failure, bird hits, or a technical snag. The recovery of the black box is crucial for investigators to determine the exact cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The investigation is expected to be extensive and thorough, with participation from international aviation experts.
