Death toll in Indian plane crash climbs as authorities race to identify victims
Share this @internewscast.com
Search and recovery teams continued scouring the site of one of India’s worst aviation disasters for a third day after the Air India flight fell from the sky and killed at least 270 people in Gujarat state, officials said on Saturday.

Recovery teams working until late on Friday found at least 25 more bodies in the debris, officials said.

Ayub sheikh gestures angrily as he waits for the bodies of four relatives who died in the Air India plane crash, at a hospital in Ahmedabad, India, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) (AP)

Dr. Dhaval Gameti at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad told The Associated Press the facility had received 270 bodies, adding that the lone surviving passenger was still under observation for some of his wounds.

“He is doing very well and will be ready to be discharged anytime soon,” Gameti said on Saturday.

Hundreds of relatives of the crash victims have provided DNA samples at the hospital. Most bodies were charred or mutilated, making them unrecognisable.

Some relatives expressed frustration Saturday that the process was taking too long. Authorities say it normally takes up to 72 hours to complete DNA matching, and they are expediting the process.

“Where are my children? Did you recover them?” asked Rafiq Abdullah, whose nephew, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren were on the flight.

“I will have to ask questions. Government is not answering these questions.”

Salma Rafiq Memon, in white scarf, gestures angrily as she speaks to media personnel while waiting for the bodies of four relatives who died in the Air India plane crash, at a hospital in Ahmedabad, India, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) (AP)

Another relative persistently asked hospital staff when his relative’s body would be handed over to the family for last rites.

“Give us the body,” the relative insisted.

Alongside the formal investigation, the Indian government says it has formed a high-level, multi-disciplinary committee to examine the causes leading to the crash.

The committee will focus on formulating procedures to prevent and handle aircraft emergencies in the future and “will not be a substitute to other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

Relatives of the victims, who died in the Air India plane crash, wait outside the DNA collection center at a hospital in Ahmedabad, India, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) (AP)

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said it had started working with “full force” to extract the data.

The device is expected to reveal information about the engine and control settings, while the voice recorder will provide cockpit conversations, said Paul Fromme, a mechanical engineer with the UK-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former crash investigator for both the US National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, said investigators should be able to answer some important questions about what caused the crash as soon as next week as long as the flight data recorder is in good shape.

Onlookers watch wreckage from Thursday’s Air India plane crash lying atop a building in Ahmedabad, India, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) (AP)

Investigators likely are looking at whether wing flaps were set correctly, the engine lost power, alarms were going off inside the cockpit and if the plane’s crew correctly logged information about the hot temperature outside and the weight of the fuel and passengers, Guzzetti said.

Mistakes in the data could result in the wing flaps being set incorrectly, he said.

Thursday’s Air India crash involved a 12-year-old Boeing 787. Boeing planes have been plagued by safety issues on other types of aircraft.

There are currently around 1200 of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft worldwide, and this was the first deadly crash in 16 years of operation, according to experts.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Supporters of Heather Calgaret attend a smoking ceremony during the inquest into the death of Heather Calgaret at the Coroners Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Monday, July 28, 2025.

Baby of Indigenous Woman Separated Before Her Death in Custody

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned the following article…
Chloé Höglund , 34, who is originally from New Zealand, has traveled over 8,000 miles across the US by train

My Solo 200-Hour Train Adventure Across America: The Unvarnished Truth

A woman who has traveled over 8,000 miles across the US by…
As Trump shows off his golf courses for Britain's leader, crisis in Gaza looms

While Trump Showcases His Golf Courses to the UK Leader, Gaza Crisis Escalates

US President Donald Trump once suggested his golf course in Scotland “furthers”…

The Albanese administration pushes forward with promise to limit prescription costs to $25

The Albanese government says it will introduce legislation this week to cap…

Israel Implements Daily Ceasefires in Gaza for Aid Deliveries via Airdrops

Israel announced a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day…
Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.

Guide to Viewing the Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower This Week

Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.…
Chalk mark on car tyre from parking inspectors

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Wiping Off Chalk Marks on Your Parked Car

An attorney specializing in criminal law is cautioning Australians about the risks…
Police monitoring the cordoned area in Or Tor Kor market on July 28, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, after an active shooter situation

Tragic Shooting at Busy Bangkok Market Leaves Five Dead

A gunman shot and killed five people at a popular fresh food…
Gunman believed dead after police officer, civilians shot in Manhattan

Manhattan Shooting: Suspected Gunman Killed, Police Officer and Civilians Injured

A gunman is suspected to have died after opening fire on a…
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire

Thailand and Cambodia Reach Agreement on Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire in…
Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty before standing trial for perverting the course of justice.

“Outback Wrangler Denies Guilt in Helicopter Crash Case”

Three years after a fatal chopper crash, Matt Wright has pleaded not…
Palestine Action Group Sydney march from Hyde Park North (near the Archibald Fountain) to Belmore Park.  29th October 2023 Photo: Steven Siewert

Pro-Palestine Rally on Sydney Harbour Bridge Cancelled

A plan to shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a weekend…