Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Jun 14: Akash Vatsa, a passenger who flew on the same Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner just two hours before it crashed in Ahmedabad, has gone viral on social media after sharing his observations about the aircraft.
In a widely shared post, Akash claimed he had travelled from Delhi to Ahmedabad on the same plane and had noticed ‘unusual things’ during the flight. “I was in the same damn flight 2 hours before it took off from AMD. I came in this from DEL-AMD. Noticed unusual things in the place. Made a video to tweet to @airindia. I would want to give more details. Please contact me,” he posted, urging authorities to reach out to him.
Speaking to ANI, Akash said that while the flight seemed normal at the start, he observed repeated movement in the rear flaps of the aircraft at cruising altitude. “I am not an expert, but someone from aviation would understand it better,” he remarked. He also mentioned that the air conditioning systems were not functioning properly while the plane was still on the ground.
It is not yet clear whether his observations are linked to Thursday’s crash. A detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the mishap.
The London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, hitting a medical college complex in Ahmedabad and erupting in flames. In what is now being described as one of the worst air disasters in recent Indian history, all 241 people on board lost their lives. Several casualties were also reported on the ground. One survivor is currently under medical care.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from over 40 officials from the Gujarat State Government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has launched a full-scale probe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and met with survivors at Ahmedabad civic hospital.