Ahmedabad crash could be deadliest single-aircraft tragedy in India's aviation history
Ahmedabad, June 12: The devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday may go down as the worst single-aircraft disaster in India’s aviation history, as the confirmed death toll continues to rise.
The previous deadliest crash involving a single aircraft occurred on January 1, 1978, when an Air India Boeing 747 named Emperor Ashoka crashed into the Arabian Sea just off the coast of Bombay (now Mumbai), less than two minutes after take-off. The Dubai-bound flight claimed the lives of all 213 people on board.
While India has witnessed more severe aviation tragedies in terms of total fatalities, such as the 1985 Kanishka bombing, Thursday’s crash in Ahmedabad could become the deadliest ever involving a single aircraft on Indian soil.
ALSO READ: India’s deadliest plane crashes: A look back at nation’s most tragic aviation disasters
In the 1985 incident, Air India Flight 182, operating from Canada to India, was blown up mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb planted by Khalistani separatists exploded. The aircraft disintegrated at 31,000 feet, killing all 329 people on board. That tragedy remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in aviation history.
Thursday’s crash in Ahmedabad involved Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, which crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members. As of the latest reports, at least 133 people have been confirmed dead, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing.
If the death toll continues to rise, the Ahmedabad tragedy could surpass the 1978 Bombay crash in terms of lives lost in a single-aircraft crash within the country.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mangaluru: ‘Voice of Blood Donors’ founder Rawoof Bunder passes away
Mangaluru: Rawoof Bunder (50), founder of Voice of Blood Donors, passed away on Wednesday afternoon at a private hospital in the city following a brief illness.
A resident of Bunder in Mangaluru, Rawoof was known for his social work and his active role in promoting blood donation.
He is survived by his wife, and two children.
