The 45-year-old supervisor of 108 Emergency Services, who was among the first responders to the Air India AI-171 crash in Kozhikode, has expressed his regret that more lives could not be saved. Speaking to PTI, he described the harrowing memories that return whenever he passes through the area.
Haunting Memories of the Crash
The supervisor, who has been with the emergency services for over two decades, said the sight of burnt human flesh and the smell of aviation fuel are etched in his memory. 'It was a scene of utter devastation. We tried our best, but I wish we could have saved more lives,' he said, his voice trembling.
The Response Effort
On the day of the crash, the team reached the site within minutes. 'We worked tirelessly, pulling out survivors and bodies. The heat was unbearable, and the cries of the injured were heart-wrenching,' he recalled. Despite their efforts, 18 people lost their lives in the accident.
Psychological Impact
The first responder admitted that the incident has left a deep psychological scar. 'Every time I drive past the airport, the memories come flooding back. It's something you never forget,' he said. He emphasized the need for better mental health support for emergency workers who witness such tragedies.
The Air India AI-171 flight, a Boeing 737, overshot the runway at Kozhikode's Calicut International Airport on August 7, 2020, killing 18 passengers and injuring many others. The crash remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent years.
