Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, P.K. Mishra, confirmed the recovery of both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. This crucial discovery is expected to significantly aid investigators in determining the cause of the accident, which claimed the lives of 270 people, including 241 on board.
Previously, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had only confirmed the discovery of the FDR. Mishra was briefed on the recovery of both “black boxes” by officials.
The Boeing 787-8 (flight AI 171), bound for London, crashed into the campus of a medical college in the Meghaninagar area shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. All but one of the 242 passengers and crew died, along with 29 individuals on the ground, including five MBBS students.
Mishra visited the crash site near B.J. Medical College in Meghaninagar, where he was briefed on the sequence of events and immediate response measures by officials from the state government, AAIB, and the Airports Authority of India.
He also chaired a high-level review meeting at the Circuit House, discussing ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior central and state government officials, the AAIB, and the Airports Authority of India.
The AAIB has launched a detailed investigation, with the US National Transportation Safety Board conducting a parallel probe under international protocols due to the aircraft being American-made.
During his visit to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Mishra met with bereaved families, observed the DNA sample matching process, and directed authorities to provide full assistance. He also interacted with injured persons, emphasizing the need to prioritize their medical treatment and recovery.
“I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims,” Mishra told reporters.
At the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar, he reviewed DNA sampling efforts, stressing the importance of swift and scientifically accurate identification. Mishra reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment to providing all possible support to victims’ families and ensuring a coordinated response from all involved agencies.
Mishra was accompanied by PMO officials, including advisor to the PM, Tarun Kapoor, and Deputy Secretary, PMO Mangesh Ghildiyal.
