Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of the crashed Air India flight, a pivotal moment in understanding last week's tragic incident. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was on its way to London when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of at least 270 individuals, primarily passengers.
The CVR records cockpit dialogue, alerts, and surrounding sounds, while a separate flight data recorder (FDR) tracks critical information like altitude and speed. These two devices, often referred to as the "black box," are essential in reconstruction efforts following air accidents. Despite their ominous name, they are brightly colored for easier retrieval post-crash.
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) spearheads the investigation, working alongside teams from the US and the UK, including officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A new government committee has also been formed to review the circumstances of the crash, aiming to propose new safety protocols.
Families await the identification of their loved ones amidst a harrowing scene. As of recent updates, 270 bodies have been recovered, and notably, more than 90 have been identified through DNA matching processes. Families are enduring the painful wait as officials continue to work on recognizing the victims, many of whom suffered severe burn injuries in the incident.
Among the identified victims is Vijay Rupani, former chief minister of Gujarat, who will receive a state funeral. Others, like Mistry Jignesh, are still seeking answers as they wait anxiously outside hospitals for updates on missing relatives, painfully aware that the lengthy identification process continues amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
