A Single Life Saved in Air India's Tragedy

In India, a grim investigation is underway following a devastating Air India crash. The sole survivor, a British man named Vishwaskumar Ramesh, is lucky to be alive. He was on Air India flight 171, which took off from Ahmedabad and crashed into a medical college shortly after takeoff. The plane was headed to London with 242 passengers and crew on board. Only Ramesh walked away from the burning wreckage. The crash site was a scene of horror. The plane burst into flames upon impact, making it difficult to identify the victims. Authorities are using DNA testing to identify the remains. So far, only six victims have been returned to their families. The crash has sparked a wave of grief and outrage. The people of Gujarat, where Ahmedabad is the capital, have a long history of seeking opportunities abroad. Many of the victims were on their way to visit family or start new lives overseas. The crash has also raised questions about aviation safety in India. The country has ambitious plans to become a global transportation hub. However, experts have long warned about the lack of a strong safety culture in the industry. Amit Singh, a former pilot and aviation safety expert, pointed out that the relationship between regulators and operators is often strained. There is a lack of trust, which can lead to serious accidents. The crash has also highlighted the need for better airport safety standards. Mohan Ranganathan, another aviation safety expert, noted that many of India's airports do not comply with safety standards. The plane crashed into a six-story building just seconds after takeoff. Such a tall building so close to the takeoff path is a serious violation. Ranganathan accused India's aviation watchdog of giving licenses without proper checking. He also criticized the government-run airport authority for violating safety standards. The crash has also put a spotlight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the plane involved in the accident. The Dreamliner has not been involved in major accidents before now. However, Boeing has faced intense scrutiny over faults with its 737 Max, which caused two plane crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing has said it will support the investigation led by Indian authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.