Vadodara: Following the catastrophic crash of an Air India flight that took off from Ahmedabad and went down within seconds, claiming the lives of nearly 290 people, efforts are underway to ensure the dignified return of the deceased to their families. In response to the tragedy, Air India has commissioned a Vadodara-based organization to construct 100 coffin boxes for the victims.
According to officials, 25 coffins have been dispatched to Ahmedabad by 3 PM today, with the remaining 75 scheduled for delivery by late tonight. A representative of the organization overseeing the coffin production, shared insights into the emotionally challenging task. “It takes about two to three hours to craft a single coffin. A team of seven to eight people is working around the clock to meet the demand. The sheer scale of this tragedy is overwhelming, it’s hard to believe such an incident has occurred,” he said.
The coffins are being made from sturdy wood, ensuring the remains of the victims can be placed with care and respect. Special attention is being given to the dimensions, particularly height, since the condition of many bodies remains uncertain.
“To ensure hygiene and prevent any contamination, a plastic bag is placed inside each coffin. This helps contain any bodily fluids or decomposition-related issues,” he added.
The team worked late into the night to complete the first batch of 25 coffins, which are now ready for transport. The remainder are expected to be completed and sent out by tonight, as the organization works urgently to support the recovery and repatriation efforts in the wake of the national tragedy.