Kathmandu, June 13
Indian security officials have continued their search operation with the help of trained tracker dogs on the second day after the crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
At least 265 people, including those on the plane and the ground, died in the accident. Some of the bodies have already been recovered, while remains of others are still being found. The aircraft had 242 passengers, including crew members. Only one person has survived the crash.
According to the BBC, technical components related to the aircraft are also being searched at the crash site. The process of discovering body parts is still ongoing.
Trained investigators have also been deployed for the aircraft accident investigation. On Thursday, the UK announced it would be sending a team of experts for the investigation.
On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site where 241 passengers died. According to the BBC, he spent about 20 minutes at the site, observed the wreckage, and received a briefing from local officials.
The wreckage of the crashed plane exited from the second floor of a hostel that housed the medical staff of a nearby hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, the front section and nose gear of the aircraft crashed into a canteen building where students were having lunch. Some of them also lost their lives in the incident.
Home Minister Amit Shah issued a statement Thursday night, saying the final death toll would only be made public after DNA testing. He said, “Families with relatives abroad have already been informed, and their DNA samples will be collected.”
Air India has said that the only survivor of the crash, Viswashkumar Ramesh, is currently receiving treatment. A video taken after the crash showed Ramesh injured and bloodied, walking toward an ambulance.
Boeing has stated that it is in contact with Air India and is ready to assist in the investigation of the crash. According to the Aviation Safety Network’s database, this is the first crash involving the Boeing 787.
