Over 270 Dead, Families Seek Answers Amidst Grief and Investigation

Air India 171, en route to London, crashed after the pilot's "Mayday" call, resulting in over 270 fatalities. Authorities confirmed the distress call was sent shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The plane crashed seconds later, reaching only 650 feet before impact.

The crash site, a hostel near the airport, claimed the lives of nearly all 242 on board, plus several on the ground. Investigations are underway, with the flight data recorder recovered. A full assessment is expected within three months.

Families gathered at the hospital, frustrated by delays in identifying and returning remains. Anil Patel, who lost his son and daughter-in-law, was among those awaiting news. Authorities cited the complex task of identifying severely damaged bodies.

The Syed family, British citizens, were among the deceased. Their relatives, struggling to obtain information, wanted the bodies returned to the UK. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was recovering in the hospital.