- The crash tragically claimed 241 out of 242 people on board, as confirmed by Air India.
- Only one survivor, British-Indian national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was pulled alive from the wreckage and is currently hospitalized.
- The plane impacted BJ Medical College hostel, killing at least five medical students, a pregnant woman, and another staff member nearby.
- Bodies recovered so far include 217 passengers, 12 crew, and over 24 on the ground; DNA testing continues to confirm identities.
- Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among those reportedly killed.
- The crash is now officially recorded as India’s deadliest single-aircraft disaster.
🚨 Rescue & Investigation Developments
- The DGCA and AAIB have recovered both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
- NTSB (US) and UK AAIB are assisting the technical probe alongside DGCA and Boeing experts.
- Survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh reported the plane exploded within 30 seconds of takeoff, with landing gear still extended.
- Aviation safety experts suggest a “sudden catastrophic failure during the takeoff roll”, possibly due to engine malfunction or external factor.
📊 Updated Casualty Figures
| Category | Figures Reported |
|---|---|
| Passengers & Crew | 241 fatalities (out of 242) |
| Ground Casualties | 24+ deaths including medical students |
| Confirmation Process | Ongoing DNA matching |
⚖️ Legal & Regulatory Ramifications
- DGCA and AAIB investigations are seeing active collaborative inputs from Boeing, GE Aerospace, NTSB, and UK AAIB.
- Ground-testing and maintenance records will be under scrutiny for negligence (IPC 304A) or violation of aviation laws.
- Families of victims may file civil claims under international and Indian laws, while PILs or FIRs may target Air India, Boeing, and airport safety protocols.
⏭️ What Happens Next
- DGCA Interims & Final Reports: Initial findings on cause expected in days; full report may take months.
- Compensation Policies: Air India & Tata Group have pledged financial support. International protocols may set additional liability limits.
- Court Actions & Safety Reforms: The crash could spark policy reviews on aircraft maintenance and airport safety norms.
To read more Indian Laws and news, visit Legal Guide India
