The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe into the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent decades. The investigation is receiving assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British investigators.

In a significant development, authorities confirmed the recovery of the flight data recorder, commonly known as the "black box," from the crash site. The black box was discovered on the rooftop of a building at the BJ Medical College, where the plane crashed. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced the recovery on Friday, stating that it marks "an important step forward in the investigation" and will "significantly aid the enquiry into the incident."

Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 passengers and crew members on board, 241 lost their lives. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was traveling to London to visit his family.

Adding to the tragedy, the aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people on the ground, including medical students and relatives of doctors. The crash site was a scene of devastation, with wreckage spread over a wide area.

In the wake of the crash, India's aviation regulator has mandated Air India to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft as a precautionary measure. These checks include "power assurance checks" to be completed within two weeks.

Amidst the widespread loss, a glimmer of hope emerged as Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen, was identified as the sole survivor of the crash. Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, miraculously walked away from the crash site with non-life-threatening injuries. He is currently hospitalized, recounting his unbelievable escape to the media. He described pushing aside the emergency exit door after the crash, stating, "I just walked out, innit...I can't explain, it's a miracle, everything." Tragically, Ramesh was traveling with his brother, who was seated a few rows away and did not survive.

Authorities are facing the grim task of identifying the victims, many of whom were burned beyond recognition. DNA testing is underway to identify the remains, and so far, only a handful of bodies have been released to their families. The disaster has plunged the region into mourning, with families and friends grieving the loss of their loved ones.