India plane crash death toll climbs to 279

The death toll from the tragic plane crash in India's Ahmedabad has climbed to 279. On Thursday (June 12), an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down in a residential area, sparking a massive fire. The incident is being described as one of the deadliest air disasters in recent decades.

Just before the crash, the plane sent out a distress signal. Moments later, it hit a residential building and burst into flames. According to police, 279 bodies have been recovered so far from the crash site.

Out of 242 people on board, only one survived. The rear part of the plane struck a hospital hostel during the crash, killing at least 38 more people on the ground.

The victims came from various backgrounds, including top politicians and even a young tea vendor. On the flight were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and 12 crew members.

The sole survivor, a 40-year-old British citizen named Bishwas Kumar Ramesh, said: “I thought it was the end. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was still alive.”

DNA tests are underway in Ahmedabad to identify the victims. Family members, including some who traveled from abroad, are providing DNA samples to help with the identification process. Authorities say the final death count can only be confirmed after all bodies are identified.

India's Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said one black box has been recovered, which will help in the investigation. The search for the second black box is still ongoing.

According to reports, the aircraft went down just 100 meters after takeoff. Boeing, the US-based manufacturer, confirmed it is in touch with Air India and ready to provide full support. This marks what is believed to be the first major accident involving the 787 Dreamliner.